M. Piccinini

A Measurement of the Muon Capture Rate in Liquid Deuterium by the Lifetime Technique

Abstract The lifetime technique has been used to measure the muon capture rate in ultra pure liquid deuterium in conditions where the μd spin state is known. The experimental method avoids the earlier difficulties due to the fusion neutrons. The following result has been obtained for the capture rate in the μd doublet total spin state: λcD = 470 ± 29 s−1.

New measurement of the cross section for the elastic scattering process μp + p → μp + p in gaseous hydrogen at 26 atmospheres

Abstract We have measured the elastic scattering cross section for the process μp + p → μp + p in ultra-pure gaseous hydrogen at 26 atm and at room temperature. The result is σ = (1.4 +- 0.2) × 10 −20 cm 2 .

Performance of a coincidence neutron spectrometer with double pulse-shape discrimination

Abstract We describe here the performance of a new coincidence spectrometer which allows the detection of neutrons in the MeV energy range, by exploiting a two-stage pulse-amplitude analysis.

The Electromagnetic calorimeter for the OBELIX experiment

Abstract We describe the electromagnetic calorimeter of the OBELIX detector installed on the LEAR facility at CERN: the criteria followed to design its structure and the tests and preparation work performed on the different components are discussed, to conclude with the description of the main control procedures operating on the assembled detector during the first tests of the apparatus on the LEAR beam.

Energy Cost of Pions and Muons for Muon-Catalyzed Fusion.

We present the results of systematical calculations on the energy expenditure in producing pion and muons for the purposes of muon-catalyzed fusion.

Monte Carlo simulated detector responses to gamma radiations coming from extended sources

Abstract An efficient Monte Carlo computer program for calculation of the responses of cylindrical NaI(Tl) and Ge gamma-ray detector is described. All the fundamental physical processes occuring inside an extended source of any shape, in a possible source-detector separation wall and in the detector itself, are taken into account. Very fast and accurate analytical expression for the absorption coefficients are obtained. The results show good agreement with experimental data and with other calculations. A more detailed investigation of the case of spherical sources and NaI(Tl) crystals is discussed.

New measurement of the elastic scattering cross section of μd muonic atoms off deuterons

Abstract We have measured the elastic scattering cross section for the process μd + d → μd + d in ultrapure gaseous deuterium at 14 atm and at room temperature. The results is σdd = (8 ± 2) × 10−20 cm2.

On the possibility of performing a G-parity violation test in the annihilation reaction np→π+ + π0

Abstract An experimental test of G-parity conservation is proposed, based on a measurement of the asymmetry around θ=π/2 in the center of mass of the π+π0 system from n p annihilation in flight. The experiment can be performed by exploiting the high-intensity, low-energy n beam at LEAR and the OBELIX apparatus.

On the energy cost of producing muons in a deuterium-tritium target for muon catalyzed fusion

The costs of producing negative muons in d‐t targets at different densities are determined. The advantages of a segmented target structure are discussed, alternating high‐density layers to suitably dimensioned vacuum gaps.

Density Dependence of the Energy Cost of Muons for Muon-Catalyzed Fusion

The dependence of the energy cost of muons on the target density for the purposes of muon-catalyzed fusion in a deuterium-tritium target is investigated. The advantages of a particular target structure are discussed.