Abstract: The product of the A(b)(0) ((B) over bar (0)) differential production cross-section and the branching fraction of the decay A(b)(0)-> J/psi pK(-) ((B) over bar (0)-> J/psi p (K) over bar*(892)(0)) is measured as a function of the beauty hadron transverse momentum, p(T), and rapidity, y. The kinematic region of the measurements is p(T) <20 GeV/c and 2.0 < y < 4.5. The measurements use a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3fb(-1) collected by the LHCb detector in pp collisions at centre-of-mass energies root s=7 TeV in 2011 and root s=8 TeV in 2012. Based on previous LHCb results of the fragmentation fraction ratio, f(Ab0)/f(d), the branching fraction of the decay A(b)(0)-> J/psi pK(-) is measured to be B(A(b)(0)-> J/psi pK(-))=(3.17 +/- 0.04 +/- 0.07 +/- 0.34(-0.28)(+0.45))x10(-4) where the first uncertainty is statistical, the second is systematic, the third is due to the uncertainty on the branching fraction of the decay (B) over bar (0)-> J/psi p (K) over bar*(892)(0), and the fourth is due to the knowledge of f(Ab0)/f(d). The sum of the asymmetries in the production and decay between A(b)(0) and (A) over bar (0)(b) is also measured as a function of p(T) and y. The previously published branching fraction of A(b)(0)-> J/psi p pi(-), relative to that of A(b)(0)-> J/psi pK(-), is updated. The branching fractions of A(b)(0)-> P-c(+)(-> J/psi p)K- are determined.

Abstract: We analyze the simulation of Dirac neutrino oscillations using quantum walks, both in a vacuum and in matter. We show that this simulation, in the continuum limit, reproduces a set of coupled Dirac equations that describe neutrino flavor oscillations, and we make use of this to establish a connection with neutrino phenomenology, thus allowing one to fix the parameters of the simulation for a given neutrino experiment. We also analyze how matter effects for neutrino propagation can be simulated in the quantum walk. In this way, important features, such as the MSW effect, can be incorporated. Thus, the simulation of neutrino oscillations with the help of quantum walks might be useful to illustrate these effects in extreme conditions, such as the solar interior or supernovae.

Abstract: A new method for measuring (n, gamma) cross-sections aiming at enhanced signal-to-background ratio is presented. This new approach is based on the combination of the pulse-height weighting technique with a total energy detection system that features gamma-ray imaging capability (i-TED). The latter allows one to exploit Compton imaging techniques to discriminate between true capture gamma-rays arising from the sample under study and background gamma-rays coming from contaminant neutron (prompt or delayed) captures in the surrounding environment. A general proof-of-concept detection system for this application is presented in this paper together with a description of the imaging method and a conceptual demonstration based on Monte Carlo simulations.

Abstract: In this paper; we provide a formalism for the characterization of tracking arrays with emphasis on the proper corrections required to extract their photopeak efficiencies and peak-to-total ratios. The methods are first applied to Gammasphere, a well characterized 4 pi array based on the principle of Compton suppression, and subsequently to GRETINA. The tracking efficiencies are then discussed and some guidelines as to what clustering angle to use in the tracking algorithm are presented. It was possible, using GEANT4 simulations, to scale the measured efficiencies up to the expected values for the full 4 pi implementation of GRETA.

Abstract: The new silicon microstrip sensors of the End-cap part of the HL-LHC ATLAS Inner Tracker (ITk) present a number of challenges due to their complex design features such as the multiple different sensor shapes, the varying strip pitch, or the built-In stereo angle. In order to investigate these specific problems, the “petalet” prototype was defined as a small End-cap prototype. The sensors for the petalet prototype include several new layout and technological solutions to investigate the issues, they have been tested in detail by the collaboration. The sensor description and detailed test results are presented in this paper. New software tools have been developed for the automatic layout generation of the complex designs. The sensors have been fabricated, characterized and delivered to the institutes in the collaboration for their assembly on petalet prototypes. This paper describes the lessons learnt from the design and tests of the new solutions implemented on these sensors, which are being used for the full petal sensor development. This has resulted in the ITIc strip, community acquiring the necessary expertise to develop the full End-cap structure, the petal.