M. R. Pearson

Tensor interaction constraints from β-decay recoil spin asymmetry of trapped atoms

We have measured the angular distribution of recoiling daughter nuclei emitted from the Gamow-Teller {beta} decay of spin-polarized {sup 80}Rb. The asymmetry of this distribution vanishes to lowest order in the standard model (SM) in pure Gamow-Teller decays, producing an observable very sensitive to new interactions. We measure the non-SM contribution to the asymmetry to be A{sub T}=0.015{+-}0.029 (stat) {+-}0.019 (syst), consistent with the SM prediction. We constrain higher-order SM corrections using the measured momentum dependence of the asymmetry, and their remaining uncertainty dominates the systematic error. Future progress in determining the weak magnetism term theoretically or experimentally would reduce the final errors. We describe the resulting constraints on fundamental four-Fermi tensor interactions.

First experimental determination of the charge radius of 74Rb and its application in tests of the unitarity of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix.

Collinear-laser spectroscopy with the bunched-beams technique was used for the study of neutron deficient Rb isotopes, out to (74)Rb (N = Z = 37) at TRIUMF. The measured hyperfine coupling constants of (76,78m)Rb were in agreement with literature values. The nuclear spin of (75)Rb was confirmed to be I = 3/2, and its hyperfine coupling constants were measured for the first time. The mean-square charge radius of (74)Rb was determined for the first time. This result has improved the isospin symmetry breaking correction term used to calculate the Ft value, with implications for tests of the unitarity of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix.

New determination of double-β-decay properties in 48Ca: High-precision Qββ-value measurement and improved nuclear matrix element calculations

We report a direct measurement of the Q-value of the neutrinoless double-beta-decay candidate 48Ca at the TITAN Penning-trap mass spectrometer, with the result that Q = 4267.98(32) keV. We measured the masses of both the mother and daughter nuclides, and in the latter case found a 1 keV deviation from the literature value. In addition to the Q-value, we also present results of a new calculation of the neutrinoless double-beta-decay nuclear matrix element of 48Ca. Using diagrammatic many-body perturbation theory to second order to account for physics outside the valence space, we constructed an effective shell-model double-beta-decay operator, which increased the nuclear matrix element by about 75% compared with that produced by the bare operator. The new Q-value and matrix element strengthen the case for a 48Ca double-beta-decay experiment.

Test of Time Reversal Symmetry using polarized 8Li at TRIUMF-ISAC

A new experimental project called MTV (Mott Polarimetry for T-Violation Experiment), is running at TRIUMF. It aims to achieve the highest precision test of time reversal symmetry in polarized nuclear beta decay by measuring a triple correlation (R-correlation), motivated to search a new physics beyond the standard model. It is because the CKM predicts negligible effects on the u-d quark system. In this experiment, the existence of non-zero transverse electron polarization is examined utilizing the analyzing power of Mott scattering from a thin metal foil. Backward scattering electron tracks are measured using a multi-wire drift chamber event-by-event for the first time. The tracking device eliminates the largest systematic effect, which has been limiting the sensitivity of previous studies. The MTV experiment was commissioned at TRIUMF-ISAC in 2009 using an 80% polarized 8Li beam at 10 Mpps resulting in 3.6% precision on the R-parameter, after performing a feasibility test at KEK-TRIAC in 2008 using an 8% polarized beam at 100 kpps yielding 41% statistical precision. In 2010, a physics production run is scheduled, aiming to reach below 0.1% precision. In this document, the preparation status for the 2010 run and results from the commissioning run are described.

Charge Radii of Neutron DeficientFe52,53Produced by Projectile Fragmentation

Bunched-beam collinear laser spectroscopy is performed on neutron deficient ^{52,53}Fe prepared through in-flight separation followed by a gas stopping. This novel scheme is a major step to reach nuclides far from the stability line in laser spectroscopy. Differential mean-square charge radii δ⟨r^{2}⟩ of ^{52,53}Fe are determined relative to stable ^{56}Fe as δ⟨r^{2}⟩^{56,52}=-0.034(13)  fm^{2} and δ⟨r^{2}⟩^{56,53}=-0.218(13)  fm^{2}, respectively, from the isotope shift of atomic hyperfine structures. The multiconfiguration Dirac-Fock method is used to calculate atomic factors to deduce δ⟨r^{2}⟩. The values of δ⟨r^{2}⟩ exhibit a minimum at the N=28 neutron shell closure. The nuclear density functional theory with Fayans and Skyrme energy density functionals is used to interpret the data. The trend of δ⟨r^{2}⟩ along the Fe isotopic chain results from an interplay between single-particle shell structure, pairing, and polarization effects and provides important data for understanding the intricate trend in the δ⟨r^{2}⟩ of closed-shell Ca isotopes.

The Francium facility at TRIUMF

We present the current status of the Francium Trapping Facility at ISAC at TRIUMF. The facility will enable future experiments on the weak interaction with measurements of atomic parity non-conservation laser-cooled samples of artificially produced francium. These experiments require a precisely controlled environment, which the facility is designed to provide. The facility has been constructed and is being prepared for a series of commissioning runs.

The FrPNC Experiment, weak interaction studies in Francium at TRIUMF

Francium is an excellent system to study the nuclear weak force due to its large nucleus and relatively simple atomic structure. The FrPNC experiment has a facility to produce cold trapped atomic francium samples for parity non-conservation studies. We are preparing to measure both the nuclear spin independent and dependent parts of the weak interaction in francium. The first one gives information about weak neutral currents at low energies, while the second one is sensitive to weak interactions between nucleons. We present the current status of the experiment.

The FrPNC Experiment at TRIUMF: Atomic Parity Non-Conservation in Francium

The FrPNC collaboration has begun the construction of an on-line laser cooling and trapping apparatus at TRIUMF to measure atomic parity non-conservation (PNC) and the nuclear anapole moment in a string of artificially produced francium isotopes. Atomic PNC experiments provide unique high precision tests of the electroweak sector of the Standard Model at very low energies. Furthermore, precision measurements of spin-dependent atomic PNC can determine nuclear anapole moments and probe the weak force within the nucleus. Francium is an excellent candidate for precision measurements of atomic PNC due to its simple electronic structure and enhanced parity violation: both the optical PNC and anapole moment signals are expected to be over an order of magnitude larger than in cesium.

β-NMR Study of a buried Mn δ-doped layer in a silicon host

Low temperature growth methods were used to encapsulate a buried Mn δ-doping layer into a silicon host. A β-NMR investigation was performed of the magnetic properties in the temperature range 10 – 300 K using spin-polarized 8Li+. A depth-dependent broadening and shift of the NMR resonance was detected that is consistent with internal fields distributed at depths of 10 – 30 nm beneath the surface. At low temperatures, a negative relative shift occurred and the resonance was significantly broadened. At 300 K the line-shape could be described by a single Gaussian line, however, at 10 K the line is best approximated by a two component Lorentzian shape consisting of a broad and narrow component as anticipated for a diluted magnetic alloy. The overall magnitude of the resonance shift at both temperatures is small suggesting a weak interaction between the 8Li+ and the magnetic Mn environment.

Electron Transverse Polarimeter for the MTV experiment at TRIUMF

A new experimental project called MTV(Mott Polarimetry for T-Violation Experiment)-S1183 has started at TRIUMF, aiming to achieve the highest precision test of time reversal symmetry in polarized nuclear beta decay. In this experiment, existence of T-violating transverse polarization of electrons emitted from polarized nuclei is examined, using a multi-wire drift chamber (MWDC) as an electron tracking detector in order to measure Mott scattering asymmetries. In this paper, technical aspects of the electron polarimetry are described. The Mott polarimeter, MWDC, consists of six sense layers. In order to improve the real backward scattering event purity, a new intelligent triggering system using FPGA module to perform on-line hit pattern recognition was developed. The new triggering system was installed for the first commissioning experiment in November 2009 at TRIUMF-ISAC. In addition to the triggering system, a new buffering DAQ system was also developed in order to achieve the needed high triggering rate at ISAC. Details of their performance are also described.