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Vagnozzi, S., Visinelli, L., Mena, O., & Mota, D. F. (2020). Do we have any hope of detecting scattering between dark energy and baryons through cosmology? Mon. Not. Roy. Astron. Soc., 493(1), 1139–1152.
Abstract: We consider the possibility that dark energy and baryons might scatter off each other. The type of interaction we consider leads to a pure momentum exchange, and does not affect the background evolution of the expansion history. We parametrize this interaction in an effective way at the level of Boltzmann equations. We compute the effect of dark energy-baryon scattering on cosmological observables, focusing on the cosmic microwave background (CMB) temperature anisotropy power spectrum and the matter power spectrum. Surprisingly, we find that even huge dark energy-baryon cross-sections sigma(xb) similar to O(b), which are generically excluded by non-cosmological probes such as collider searches or precision gravity tests, only leave an insignificant imprint on the observables considered. In the case of the CMB temperature power spectrum, the only imprint consists in a sub-per cent enhancement or depletion of power (depending whether or not the dark energy equation of state lies above or below -1) at very low multipoles, which is thus swamped by cosmic variance. These effects are explained in terms of differences in how gravitational potentials decay in the presence of a dark energy-baryon scattering, which ultimately lead to an increase or decrease in the late-time integrated Sachs-Wolfe power. Even smaller related effects are imprinted on the matter power spectrum. The imprints on the CMB are not expected to be degenerate with the effects due to altering the dark energy sound speed. We conclude that, while strongly appealing, the prospects for a direct detection of dark energy through cosmology do not seem feasible when considering realistic dark energy-baryon cross-sections. As a caveat, our results hold to linear order in perturbation theory.
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Vagnozzi, S., Di Valentino, E., Gariazzo, S., Melchiorri, A., Mena, O., & Silk, J. (2021). The galaxy power spectrum take on spatial curvature and cosmic concordance. Phys. Dark Universe, 33, 100851–17pp.
Abstract: The concordance of the ACDM cosmological model in light of current observations has been the subject of an intense debate in recent months. The 2018 Planck Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) temperature anisotropy power spectrum measurements appear at face value to favour a spatially closed Universe with curvature parameter Omega(K) < 0. This preference disappears if Baryon Acoustic Oscillation (BAO) measurements are combined with Planck data to break the geometrical degeneracy, although the reliability of this combination has been questioned due to the strong tension present between the two datasets when assuming a curved Universe. Here, we approach this issue from yet another point of view, using measurements of the full-shape (FS) galaxy power spectrum, P(k), from the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey DR12 CMASS sample. By combining Planck data with FS measurements, we break the geometrical degeneracy and find Omega(K) = 0.0023 +/- 0.0028. This constrains the Universe to be spatially flat to sub-percent precision, in excellent agreement with results obtained using BAO measurements. However, as with BAO, the overall increase in the best-fit chi(2) suggests a similar level of tension between Planck and P(k) under the assumption of a curved Universe. While the debate on spatial curvature and the concordance between cosmological datasets remains open, our results provide new perspectives on the issue, highlighting the crucial role of FS measurements in the era of precision cosmology.
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Utrilla Gines, E., Mena, O., & Witte, S. J. (2022). Revisiting constraints on WIMPs around primordial black holes. Phys. Rev. D, 106(6), 063538–14pp.
Abstract: While primordial black holes (PBHs) with masses MPBH greater than or similar to 10-11 Mo cannot comprise the entirety of dark matter, the existence of even a small population of these objects can have profound astrophysical consequences. A subdominant population of PBHs will efficiently accrete dark matter particles before matter-radiation equality, giving rise to high-density dark matter spikes. We consider here the scenario in which dark matter is comprised primarily of weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) with a small subdominant contribution coming from PBHs, and revisit the constraints on the annihilation of WIMPs in these spikes using observations of the isotropic gamma-ray background (IGRB) and the cosmic microwave background (CMB), for a range of WIMP masses, annihilation channels, cross sections, and PBH mass functions. We find that the constraints derived using the IGRB have been significantly overestimated (in some cases by many orders of magnitude), and that limits obtained using observations of the CMB are typically stronger than, or comparable to, those coming from the IGRB. Importantly, we show that similar to OoMo thorn PBHs can still contribute significantly to the dark matter density for sufficiently low WIMP masses and p-wave annihilation cross sections.
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Unno, Y. et al, Bernabeu, J., Lacasta, C., Solaz, C., & Soldevila, U. (2023). Specifications and pre-production of n plus -in-p large-format strip sensors fabricated in 6-inch silicon wafers, ATLAS18, for the Inner Tracker of the ATLAS Detector for High-Luminosity Large Hadron Collider. J. Instrum., 18(3), T03008–29pp.
Abstract: The ATLAS experiment is constructing new all-silicon inner tracking system for HL-LHC. The strip detectors cover the radial extent of 40 to 100 cm. A new approach is adopted to use p-type silicon material, making the readout in n+-strips, so-called n+-in-p sensors. This allows for enhanced radiation tolerance against an order of magnitude higher particle fluence compared to the LHC. To cope with varying hit rates and occupancies as a function of radial distance, there are two barrel sensor types, the short strips (SS) for the inner 2 and the long strips (LS) for the outer 2 barrel cylinders, respectively. The barrel sensors exhibit a square, 9.8 x 9.8 cm2, geometry, the largest possible sensor area from a 6-inch wafer. The strips are laid out in parallel with a strip pitch of 75.5 μm and 4 or 2 rows of strip segments. The strips are AC-coupled and biased via polysilicon resistors. The endcap sensors employ a “stereo-annulus” geometry exhibiting a skewed-trapezoid shapes with circular edges. They are designed in 6 unique shapes, R0 to R5, corresponding to progressively increasing radial extents and which allows them to fit within the petal geometry and the 6-inch wafer maximally. The strips are in fan-out geometry with an in-built rotation angle, with a mean pitch of approximately 75 μm and 4 or 2 rows of strip segments. The eight sensor types are labeled as ATLAS18xx where xx stands for SS, LS, and R0 to R5. According to the mechanical and electrical specifications, CAD files for wafer processing were laid out, following the successful designs of prototype barrel and endcap sensors, together with a number of optimizations. A pre-production was carried out prior to the full production of the wafers. The quality of the sensors is reviewed and judged excellent through the test results carried out by vendor. These sensors are used for establishing acceptance procedures and to evaluate their performance in the ATLAS collaboration, and subsequently for pre-production of strip modules and stave and petal structures.
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Toubiana, A., Sberna, L., Caputo, A., Cusin, G., Marsat, S., Jani, K., et al. (2021). Detectable Environmental Effects in GW190521-like Black-Hole Binaries with LISA. Phys. Rev. Lett., 126(10), 101105–6pp.
Abstract: GW190521 is the compact binary with the largest masses observed to date, with at least one black hole in the pair-instability gap. This event has also been claimed to be associated with an optical flare observed by the Zwicky Transient Facility in an active galactic nucleus (AGN), possibly due to the postmerger motion of the merger remnant in the AGN gaseous disk. The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) may detect up to ten such gas-rich black-hole binaries months to years before their detection by Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory or Virgo-like interferometers, localizing them in the sky within approximate to 1 degrees(2). LISA will also measure directly deviations from purely vacuum and stationary waveforms arising from gas accretion, dynamical friction, and orbital motion around the AGN's massive black hole (acceleration, strong lensing, and Doppler modulation). LISA will therefore be crucial to enable us to point electromagnetic telescopes ahead of time toward this novel class of gas-rich sources, to gain direct insight on their physics, and to disentangle environmental effects from corrections to general relativity that may also appear in the waveforms at low frequencies.
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Tortajada, S., Albiol, F., Caballero, L., Albiol, A., & Leganes-Nieto, J. L. (2023). A portable geometry-independent tomographic system for gamma-ray, a next generation of nuclear waste characterization. Sci Rep, 13(1), 12284–10pp.
Abstract: One of the main activities of the nuclear industry is the characterisation of radioactive waste based on the detection of gamma radiation. Large volumes of radioactive waste are classified according to their average activity, but often the radioactivity exceeds the maximum allowed by regulators in specific parts of the bulk. In addition, the detection of the radiation is currently based on static detection systems where the geometry of the bulk is fixed and well known. Furthermore, these systems are not portable and depend on the transport of waste to the places where the detection systems are located. However, there are situations where the geometry varies and where moving waste is complex. This is especially true in compromised situations.We present a new model for nuclear waste management based on a portable and geometry-independent tomographic system for three-dimensional image reconstruction for gamma radiation detection. The system relies on a combination of a gamma radiation camera and a visible camera that allows to visualise radioactivity using augmented reality and artificial computer vision techniques. This novel tomographic system has the potential to be a disruptive innovation in the nuclear industry for nuclear waste management.
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Torres-Sanchez, P., Steiger, H. T. J., Mastinu, P., Wyss, J. L., Kayser, L., Silvestrin, L., et al. (2024). Fast neutron production at the LNL Tandem from the 7Li(14N,xn)X reaction. Eur. Phys. J. C, 84(4), 372–11pp.
Abstract: Fast neutron beams (E-n>1 MeV) are of relevance for many scientific and industrial applications. This paper explores fast neutron production using a TANDEM accelerator at the Legnaro National Laboratories, via an energetic ion beam (90 MeV N-14) onto a lithium target. The high energy models for nuclear collision of FLUKA foresee large neutron yields for reactions of this kind. The experiment aimed at validating the expected neutron yields from FLUKA simulations, using two separate and independent set-ups: one based on the multi-foil activation technique, and the other on the time of flight technique, by using liquid scintillator detectors. The results of the experiment show clear agreement of the measured spectra with the FLUKA simulations, both in the shape and the magnitude of the neutron flux at the mea-sured positions. The neutron spectrum is centered around the 8 MeV range with mild tails, and a maximum neutron energy spanning up to 50 MeV. These advantageous results provide a starting point in the development of fast neutron beams based on high energy ion beams from medium-sized accelerator facilities
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Torres Bobadilla, W. J. et al, Driencourt-Mangin, F., & Rodrigo, G. (2021). May the four be with you: novel IR-subtraction methods to tackle NNLO calculations. Eur. Phys. J. C, 81(3), 250–61pp.
Abstract: In this manuscript, we report the outcome of the topical workshop: paving the way to alternative NNLO strategies (https://indico.ific.uv.es/e/WorkStop-ThinkStart_3.0), by presenting a discussion about different frameworks to perform precise higher-order computations for high-energy physics. These approaches implement novel strategies to deal with infrared and ultraviolet singularities in quantum field theories. A special emphasis is devoted to the local cancellation of these singularities, which can enhance the efficiency of computations and lead to discover novel mathematical properties in quantum field theories.
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Tonev, D. et al, & Gadea, A. (2021). Transition probabilities in P-31 and S-31: A test for isospin symmetry. Phys. Lett. B, 821, 136603–6pp.
Abstract: Excited states in the mirror nuclei P-31 and S-31 were populated in the 1p and 1n exit channels of the reaction Ne-20 + C-12, at a beam energy of 33 MeV. The Ne-20 beam was delivered for the first time by the Piave-Alpi accelerator of the Laboratori Nazionali di Legnaro. Angular correlations of coincident gamma-rays and Doppler-shift attenuation lifetime measurements were performed using the multi-detector array GASP in conjunction with the EUCLIDES charged particle detector. In the observed B(E1) strengths, the isoscalar component, amounting to 24% of the isovector one, provides strong evidence for breaking of the isospin symmetry in the A = 31 mass region. Self-consistent beyond mean field calculations using Equation of Motion method based on a chiral potential and including two- and three-body forces reproduce well the experimental B(E1) strengths, reinforcing our conclusion. Coherent mixing from higher-lying states involving the Giant Isovector Monopole Resonance accounts well for the effect observed. The breaking of the isospin symmetry originates from the violation of the charge symmetry of the two- and three-body parts of the potential, only related to the Coulomb interaction.
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Toledo, G., Ikeno, N., & Oset, E. (2021). Theoretical study of the D-0 -> K-pi(+)eta reaction. Eur. Phys. J. C, 81(3), 268–11pp.
Abstract: We develop a model to study the D-0 -> K-pi(+)eta weak decay, starting with the color favored external emission and Cabibbo favored mode at the quark level. A less favored internal emission decay mode is also studied as a source of small corrections. Some pairs of quarks are allowed to hadronize producing two pseudoscalar mesons, which posteriorly are allowed to interact to finally provide the K-pi(+)eta state. The chiral unitary approach is used to take into account the final state interaction of pairs of mesons, which has as a consequence the production of the kappa (K-0*(700)) and the a(0)(980) resonances, well visible in the invariant mass distributions. We also introduce the (K) over bar*(0)eta production in a phenomenological way and show that the s-wave pseudoscalar interaction together with this vector excitation mode are sufficient to provide a fair reproduction of the experimental data. The model provides the relative weight of the a(0)(980) to the kappa excitation, and their strength is clearly visible in the low energy part of the K pi spectrum.
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