Abstract: The y decay of the elusive narrow, near-threshold proton resonance in 11 B was investigated at Laboratori Nazionali di Legnaro (INFN) in a particle-y coincidence experiment, using the 6 Li( 6 Li,py) fusion-evaporation reaction and the GALILEO-GALTRACE setup. No clear signature was found for a possible E1 decay to the 1/2-1, – 1 , first-excited state of 11 B, predicted by the Shell Model Embedded in the Continuum (SMEC) with a branching of 0.98+167 +167 -69 x 10-3 -3 with respect to the dominant particle-decaying modes. The statistical analysis of the y-ray spectrum provided an average upper limit of 2.37 x 10-3 -3 for this y-ray branching, with a global significance of 5 sigma. On the other hand, by imposing a global confidence level of 3 sigma, a significant excess of counts was observed for Ey y = 9300(20) keV, corresponding to a resonance energy of 11429(20) keV (namely 200(20) keV above the proton separation energy of 11 B) and a y-ray branching of 1.12(35) x10-3. -3 . This result is compatible with the SMEC calculations, potentially supporting the existence of a near-threshold proton resonance in 11 B.

Abstract: Geometry construction is a fundamental aspect of any radiation transport simulation, regardless of the Monte Carlo code being used. Typically, this process is tedious, time-consuming, and error-prone. The conventional approach involves defining geometries using mathematical objects or surfaces. However, this method comes with several limitations, especially when dealing with complex models, particularly those with organic shapes. Furthermore, since each code employs its own format and methodology for defining geometries, sharing and reproducing simulations among researchers becomes a challenging task. Consequently, many codes have implemented support for simulating over geometries constructed via Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools. Unfortunately, this feature is lacking in penRed and other PENELOPE physics-based codes. Therefore, the objective of this work is to implement such support within the penRed framework. New version program summary Program Title: Parallel Engine for Radiation Energy Deposition (penRed) CPC Library link to program files: https://doi.org/10.17632/rkw6tvtngy.2 Developer's repository link: https://github.com/PenRed/PenRed Code Ocean capsule: https://codeocean.com/capsule/1041417/tree Licensing provisions: GNU Affero General Public License v3 Programming language: C++ standard 2011. Journal reference of previous version: V. Gimenez-Alventosa, V. Gimenez Gomez, S. Oliver, PenRed: An extensible and parallel Monte-Carlo framework for radiation transport based on PENELOPE, Computer Physics Communications 267 (2021) 108065. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpc.2021.108065. Does the new version supersede the previous version?: Yes Reasons for the new version: Implements the capability to simulate on CAD constructed geometries, among many other features and fixes. Summary of revisions: All changes applied through the code versions are summarized in the file CHANGELOG.md in the repository package. Nature of problem: While Monte Carlo codes have proven valuable in simulating complex radiation scenarios, they rely heavily on accurate geometrical representations. In the same way as many other Monte Carlo codes, penRed employs simple geometric quadric surfaces like planes, spheres and cylinders to define geometries. However, since these geometric models offer a certain level of flexibility, these representations have limitations when it comes to simulating highly intricate and irregular shapes. Anatomic structures, for example, require detailed representations of organs, tissues and bones, which are difficult to achieve using basic geometric objects. Similarly, complex devices or intricate mechanical systems may have designs that cannot be accurately represented within the constraints of such geometric models. Moreover, when the complexity of the model increases, geometry construction process becomes more difficult, tedious, time-consuming and error-prone [2]. Also, as each Monte Carlo geometry library uses its own format and construction method, reproducing the same geometry among different codes is a challenging task. Solution method: To face the problems stated above, the objective of this work is to implement the capability to simulate using irregular and adaptable meshed geometries in the penRed framework. This kind of meshes can be constructed using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools, the use of which is very widespread and streamline the design process. This feature has been implemented in a new geometry module named “MESH_BODY” specific for this kind of geometries. This one is freely available and usable within the official penRed package1. It can be used since penRed version 1.9.3b and above.

Abstract: This paper focuses on how the production and polarization of gravitational waves are affected by spontaneous Lorentz symmetry breaking, which is driven by a self-interacting vector field. Specifically, we examine the impact of a smooth quadratic potential and a non-minimal coupling, discussing the constraints and causality features of the linearized Einstein equation. To analyze the polarization states of a plane wave, we consider a fixed vacuum expectation value (VEV) of the vector field. Remarkably, we verify that a space-like background vector field modifies the polarization plane and introduces a longitudinal degree of freedom. In order to investigate the Lorentz violation effect on the quadrupole formula, we use the modified Green function. Finally, we show that the space-like component of the background field leads to a third-order time derivative of the quadrupole moment, and the bounds for the Lorentz-breaking coefficients are estimated as well.