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During the COVID-19 pandemic, distance learning became the predominant teaching method at most universities, exposing students and teachers alike to novel and unexpected challenges and learning opportunities. Our study is situated in the context of higher physics education at a large Swedish university and adopts a mixed-methods approach to explore how students perceive shifts to distance learning. Quantitative student survey responses comparing distance learning during the pandemic with previous in-person learning are analyzed with k-means cluster analysis and with a random-intercept multilevel linear model. Combined analyses produce a consistent picture of students who report having experienced the greatest challenges. They are on average younger, report being less autonomous in their learning, and find it harder than peers to ask questions to the instructor. They are also less likely to have access to a place where they can study without interruptions. Variation across courses is small with students being largely subjected to the same set of challenges. Qualitative data from semi-structured focus group interviews and open-ended questions supports these findings, provides a deeper understanding of the struggles, and reveals possibilities for future interventions. Students report an overall collapse of structure in their learning that takes place along multiple dimensions. Our findings highlight a fundamental role played by informal peer-to-peer and student-instructor interactions, and by the exchange of what we refer to as “structural information.” We discuss implications for teachers and institutions regarding the possibility of providing support structures, such as study spaces, as well as fostering student autonomy.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, distance learning became the predominant teaching method at most universities, exposing students and teachers alike to novel and unexpected challenges and learning opportunities. Our study is situated in the context of higher physics education at a large Swedish university and adopts a mixed-methods approach to explore how students perceive shifts to distance learning. Quantitative student survey responses comparing distance learning during the pandemic with previous in-person learning are analyzed with k-means cluster analysis and with a random-intercept multilevel linear model. Combined analyses produce a consistent picture of students who report having experienced the greatest challenges. They are on average younger, report being less autonomous in their learning, and find it harder than peers to ask questions to the instructor. They are also less likely to have access to a place where they can study without interruptions. Variation across courses is small with students being largely subjected to the same set of challenges. Qualitative data from semi-structured focus group interviews and open-ended questions supports these findings, provides a deeper understanding of the struggles, and reveals possibilities for future interventions. Students report an overall collapse of structure in their learning that takes place along multiple dimensions. Our findings highlight a fundamental role played by informal peer-to-peer and student-instructor interactions, and by the exchange of what we refer to as “structural information.” We discuss implications for teachers and institutions regarding the possibility of providing support structures, such as study spaces, as well as fostering student autonomy.

Background: Angular momenta of fission fragments considerably higher than that of the fissioning nucleus have been observed in many experiments, raising the question of how these high angular momenta are generated. Wilson et al. have proposed a model for the angular momentum as a function of the mass of fission products based on the assumption that the angular momentum is generated from the collective motion of nucleons in the ruptured neck of the fissioning system. This assumption has caused a lot of debate in the community. Purpose: To estimate the angular momenta of fission fragments based on the observed isomeric yield ratios in 25 -MeV proton -induced fission of 238 U. Method: A surrogate model of the fission code general description of fission observables (GEF) has been developed to generate properties of primary fission fragments. Based on the excitation energy and angular momentum of fission fragments from GEF, an energy -versus -angular -momentum matrix is reconstructed using a set of parameters. With such matrices as input, the reaction code TALYS is used to calculate the deexcitation of the fission fragments, including the population of the isomers, from which the isomeric yield ratios are obtained. By varying one of the parameters, the root -mean -square angular momentum ( J rms ), which determines the angular momentum distribution of the matrix, J rms -dependent isomeric yield ratios are obtained. Considering all primary fission fragments contributing to the isomeric yield ratio for a given fission product, the average angular momentum of those fragments is estimated. Results: Data of 31 isomeric yield ratios in 25 -MeV proton -induced fission of 238 U were analyzed. From the analysis, the average J rms , equivalent to average angular momentum J av , with uncertainties are obtained for 24 fission products, while in seven cases no conclusive result for the angular momentum could be obtained. Furthermore, considering the neutron emissions of the primary f

Background: Angular momenta of fission fragments considerably higher than that of the fissioning nucleus have been observed in many experiments, raising the question of how these high angular momenta are generated. Wilson et al. have proposed a model for the angular momentum as a function of the mass of fission products based on the assumption that the angular momentum is generated from the collective motion of nucleons in the ruptured neck of the fissioning system. This assumption has caused a lot of debate in the community. Purpose: To estimate the angular momenta of fission fragments based on the observed isomeric yield ratios in 25 -MeV proton -induced fission of 238 U. Method: A surrogate model of the fission code general description of fission observables (GEF) has been developed to generate properties of primary fission fragments. Based on the excitation energy and angular momentum of fission fragments from GEF, an energy -versus -angular -momentum matrix is reconstructed using a set of parameters. With such matrices as input, the reaction code TALYS is used to calculate the deexcitation of the fission fragments, including the population of the isomers, from which the isomeric yield ratios are obtained. By varying one of the parameters, the root -mean -square angular momentum ( J rms ), which determines the angular momentum distribution of the matrix, J rms -dependent isomeric yield ratios are obtained. Considering all primary fission fragments contributing to the isomeric yield ratio for a given fission product, the average angular momentum of those fragments is estimated. Results: Data of 31 isomeric yield ratios in 25 -MeV proton -induced fission of 238 U were analyzed. From the analysis, the average J rms , equivalent to average angular momentum J av , with uncertainties are obtained for 24 fission products, while in seven cases no conclusive result for the angular momentum could be obtained. Furthermore, considering the neutron emissions of the primary f

Background: Angular momenta of fission fragments considerably higher than that of the fissioning nucleus have been observed in many experiments, raising the question of how these high angular momenta are generated. Wilson et al. have proposed a model for the angular momentum as a function of the mass of fission products based on the assumption that the angular momentum is generated from the collective motion of nucleons in the ruptured neck of the fissioning system. This assumption has caused a lot of debate in the community. Purpose: To estimate the angular momenta of fission fragments based on the observed isomeric yield ratios in 25 -MeV proton -induced fission of 238 U. Method: A surrogate model of the fission code general description of fission observables (GEF) has been developed to generate properties of primary fission fragments. Based on the excitation energy and angular momentum of fission fragments from GEF, an energy -versus -angular -momentum matrix is reconstructed using a set of parameters. With such matrices as input, the reaction code TALYS is used to calculate the deexcitation of the fission fragments, including the population of the isomers, from which the isomeric yield ratios are obtained. By varying one of the parameters, the root -mean -square angular momentum ( J rms ), which determines the angular momentum distribution of the matrix, J rms -dependent isomeric yield ratios are obtained. Considering all primary fission fragments contributing to the isomeric yield ratio for a given fission product, the average angular momentum of those fragments is estimated. Results: Data of 31 isomeric yield ratios in 25 -MeV proton -induced fission of 238 U were analyzed. From the analysis, the average J rms , equivalent to average angular momentum J av , with uncertainties are obtained for 24 fission products, while in seven cases no conclusive result for the angular momentum could be obtained. Furthermore, considering the neutron emissions of the primary f

Background: Angular momenta of fission fragments considerably higher than that of the fissioning nucleus have been observed in many experiments, raising the question of how these high angular momenta are generated. Wilson et al. have proposed a model for the angular momentum as a function of the mass of fission products based on the assumption that the angular momentum is generated from the collective motion of nucleons in the ruptured neck of the fissioning system. This assumption has caused a lot of debate in the community. Purpose: To estimate the angular momenta of fission fragments based on the observed isomeric yield ratios in 25 -MeV proton -induced fission of 238 U. Method: A surrogate model of the fission code general description of fission observables (GEF) has been developed to generate properties of primary fission fragments. Based on the excitation energy and angular momentum of fission fragments from GEF, an energy -versus -angular -momentum matrix is reconstructed using a set of parameters. With such matrices as input, the reaction code TALYS is used to calculate the deexcitation of the fission fragments, including the population of the isomers, from which the isomeric yield ratios are obtained. By varying one of the parameters, the root -mean -square angular momentum ( J rms ), which determines the angular momentum distribution of the matrix, J rms -dependent isomeric yield ratios are obtained. Considering all primary fission fragments contributing to the isomeric yield ratio for a given fission product, the average angular momentum of those fragments is estimated. Results: Data of 31 isomeric yield ratios in 25 -MeV proton -induced fission of 238 U were analyzed. From the analysis, the average J rms , equivalent to average angular momentum J av , with uncertainties are obtained for 24 fission products, while in seven cases no conclusive result for the angular momentum could be obtained. Furthermore, considering the neutron emissions of the primary f

During the COVID-19 pandemic, distance learning became the predominant teaching method at most universities, exposing students and teachers alike to novel and unexpected challenges and learning opportunities. Our study is situated in the context of higher physics education at a large Swedish university and adopts a mixed-methods approach to explore how students perceive shifts to distance learning. Quantitative student survey responses comparing distance learning during the pandemic with previous in-person learning are analyzed with k-means cluster analysis and with a random-intercept multilevel linear model. Combined analyses produce a consistent picture of students who report having experienced the greatest challenges. They are on average younger, report being less autonomous in their learning, and find it harder than peers to ask questions to the instructor. They are also less likely to have access to a place where they can study without interruptions. Variation across courses is small with students being largely subjected to the same set of challenges. Qualitative data from semi-structured focus group interviews and open-ended questions supports these findings, provides a deeper understanding of the struggles, and reveals possibilities for future interventions. Students report an overall collapse of structure in their learning that takes place along multiple dimensions. Our findings highlight a fundamental role played by informal peer-to-peer and student-instructor interactions, and by the exchange of what we refer to as “structural information.” We discuss implications for teachers and institutions regarding the possibility of providing support structures, such as study spaces, as well as fostering student autonomy.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, distance learning became the predominant teaching method at most universities, exposing students and teachers alike to novel and unexpected challenges and learning opportunities. Our study is situated in the context of higher physics education at a large Swedish university and adopts a mixed-methods approach to explore how students perceive shifts to distance learning. Quantitative student survey responses comparing distance learning during the pandemic with previous in-person learning are analyzed with k-means cluster analysis and with a random-intercept multilevel linear model. Combined analyses produce a consistent picture of students who report having experienced the greatest challenges. They are on average younger, report being less autonomous in their learning, and find it harder than peers to ask questions to the instructor. They are also less likely to have access to a place where they can study without interruptions. Variation across courses is small with students being largely subjected to the same set of challenges. Qualitative data from semi-structured focus group interviews and open-ended questions supports these findings, provides a deeper understanding of the struggles, and reveals possibilities for future interventions. Students report an overall collapse of structure in their learning that takes place along multiple dimensions. Our findings highlight a fundamental role played by informal peer-to-peer and student-instructor interactions, and by the exchange of what we refer to as “structural information.” We discuss implications for teachers and institutions regarding the possibility of providing support structures, such as study spaces, as well as fostering student autonomy.

The covariance committee of CSEWG (Cross Section Evaluation Working Group) established templates of expected measurement uncertainties for neutron-induced total, (n,gamma), neutron-induced charged-particle, and (n,xn) reaction cross sections as well as prompt fission neutron spectra, average prompt and total fission neutron multiplicities, and fission yields. Templates provide a list of what uncertainty sources are expected for each measurement type and observable, and suggest typical ranges of these uncertainties and correlations based on a survey of experimental data, associated literature, and feedback from experimenters. Information needed to faithfully include the experimental data in the nuclear-data evaluation process is also provided. These templates could assist (a) experimenters and EXFOR compilers in delivering more complete uncertainties and measurement information relevant for evaluations of new experimental data, and (b) evaluators in achieving a more comprehensive uncertainty quantification for evaluation purposes. This effort might ultimately lead to more realistic evaluated covariances for nuclear-data applications. In this topical issue, we cover the templates coming out of this CSEWG effort-typically, one observable per paper. This paper here prefaces this topical issue by introducing the concept and mathematical framework of templates, discussing potential use cases, and giving an example of how they can be applied (estimating missing experimental uncertainties of 235U(n,f) average prompt fission neutron multiplicities), and their impact on nuclear-data evaluations.

Background: Isomeric yield ratios are an important observable in nuclear fission as they can guide model development by providing insight into the angular momentum generation. Furthermore, isomeric yield ratios are important in applications for nuclear energy, as well as in the study of the r-process in stellar nucleosynthesis, and in the antineutrino mixing angle from reactor spectra. In nuclear data evaluations, the Madland-England model is commonly used to estimate isomeric yield ratios that have not been measured. Purpose: To measure isomeric yield ratios in 25-MeV proton-induced fission of 238U, and to compare the result with the values obtained from the Madland-England model and the fission model code GEF. Furthermore, to evaluate whether the predictions of GEF can be improved by coupling it to the nuclear reaction code TALYS. Methods: Isomeric yield ratios in 25-MeV proton-induced fission of 238U have been measured at the Ion GuideIsotope Separate On-Line facility. The excited state and the ground state were separated by mass using the Phase-Imaging Ion-Cyclotron-Resonance technique in the double Penning trap JYFLTRAP. The number of counts of each state was extracted from the phase-images using a Bayesian Gaussian Mixture model and, after corrections fordetector efficiency and decay, the isomeric yield ratios were derived. The experimental values have been compared with the calculated results from the Madland-England model and the GEF code. Furthermore, GEF has been combined with the nuclear reaction code TALYS, in order to take advantage of the latter codes’ implementation of the Hauser-Feshbach formalism, and the results have been compared with the experimental values. Results: From the measurements, 19 new isomeric yield ratios in 25-MeV proton-induced fission of 238U are reported and are, together with another 12 isomeric yield ratios (IYRs) from a previous campaign, compared with the model calculations. It is shown that, though the models manage to captu

The level density steers transition probabilities between different states in the decay and de-excitation of excited nuclei. Reliable level density modelling is, therefore, key in describing, e.g., de-excitation of fission fragments, with implications on neutron and gamma-rays multiplicities, and also manifested in the population of isomeric states. We test six currently used level density models and the spin distribution in the level density by comparing calculations with measured isomeric yield ratios. The model calculations are performed with the TALYS code and experimental data for nuclear reactions populating spin isomers are retrieved from the EXFOR database. On average, calculations are in agreement with measured data. However, we find that the population of the high-spin state in an isomeric pair is clearly favoured in all of the six studied level density models. Further studies are then performed on the three used phenomenological level density models, to investigate the significance of their effect. We find that a significant reduction of the spin width distribution improves the agreement between calculated and experimentally observed isomeric yield ratios. This result is independent of the incident particle in the nuclear reaction. The needed reduction of the spin width distribution to comply with empirical data has, e.g., implications for studies in angular momentum generation in fission using isomeric yield rations, calculations of anti-neutrino spectra from nuclear reactors, as well as neutron and gamma-ray multiplicities in nuclear reactor calculations.

The covariance committee of CSEWG (Cross Section Evaluation Working Group) established templates of expected measurement uncertainties for neutron-induced total, (n,gamma), neutron-induced charged-particle, and (n,xn) reaction cross sections as well as prompt fission neutron spectra, average prompt and total fission neutron multiplicities, and fission yields. Templates provide a list of what uncertainty sources are expected for each measurement type and observable, and suggest typical ranges of these uncertainties and correlations based on a survey of experimental data, associated literature, and feedback from experimenters. Information needed to faithfully include the experimental data in the nuclear-data evaluation process is also provided. These templates could assist (a) experimenters and EXFOR compilers in delivering more complete uncertainties and measurement information relevant for evaluations of new experimental data, and (b) evaluators in achieving a more comprehensive uncertainty quantification for evaluation purposes. This effort might ultimately lead to more realistic evaluated covariances for nuclear-data applications. In this topical issue, we cover the templates coming out of this CSEWG effort-typically, one observable per paper. This paper here prefaces this topical issue by introducing the concept and mathematical framework of templates, discussing potential use cases, and giving an example of how they can be applied (estimating missing experimental uncertainties of 235U(n,f) average prompt fission neutron multiplicities), and their impact on nuclear-data evaluations.

Background: Isomeric yield ratios are an important observable in nuclear fission as they can guide model development by providing insight into the angular momentum generation. Furthermore, isomeric yield ratios are important in applications for nuclear energy, as well as in the study of the r-process in stellar nucleosynthesis, and in the antineutrino mixing angle from reactor spectra. In nuclear data evaluations, the Madland-England model is commonly used to estimate isomeric yield ratios that have not been measured. Purpose: To measure isomeric yield ratios in 25-MeV proton-induced fission of 238U, and to compare the result with the values obtained from the Madland-England model and the fission model code GEF. Furthermore, to evaluate whether the predictions of GEF can be improved by coupling it to the nuclear reaction code TALYS. Methods: Isomeric yield ratios in 25-MeV proton-induced fission of 238U have been measured at the Ion GuideIsotope Separate On-Line facility. The excited state and the ground state were separated by mass using the Phase-Imaging Ion-Cyclotron-Resonance technique in the double Penning trap JYFLTRAP. The number of counts of each state was extracted from the phase-images using a Bayesian Gaussian Mixture model and, after corrections fordetector efficiency and decay, the isomeric yield ratios were derived. The experimental values have been compared with the calculated results from the Madland-England model and the GEF code. Furthermore, GEF has been combined with the nuclear reaction code TALYS, in order to take advantage of the latter codes’ implementation of the Hauser-Feshbach formalism, and the results have been compared with the experimental values. Results: From the measurements, 19 new isomeric yield ratios in 25-MeV proton-induced fission of 238U are reported and are, together with another 12 isomeric yield ratios (IYRs) from a previous campaign, compared with the model calculations. It is shown that, though the models manage to captu

The level density steers transition probabilities between different states in the decay and de-excitation of excited nuclei. Reliable level density modelling is, therefore, key in describing, e.g., de-excitation of fission fragments, with implications on neutron and gamma-rays multiplicities, and also manifested in the population of isomeric states. We test six currently used level density models and the spin distribution in the level density by comparing calculations with measured isomeric yield ratios. The model calculations are performed with the TALYS code and experimental data for nuclear reactions populating spin isomers are retrieved from the EXFOR database. On average, calculations are in agreement with measured data. However, we find that the population of the high-spin state in an isomeric pair is clearly favoured in all of the six studied level density models. Further studies are then performed on the three used phenomenological level density models, to investigate the significance of their effect. We find that a significant reduction of the spin width distribution improves the agreement between calculated and experimentally observed isomeric yield ratios. This result is independent of the incident particle in the nuclear reaction. The needed reduction of the spin width distribution to comply with empirical data has, e.g., implications for studies in angular momentum generation in fission using isomeric yield rations, calculations of anti-neutrino spectra from nuclear reactors, as well as neutron and gamma-ray multiplicities in nuclear reactor calculations.

The covariance committee of CSEWG (Cross Section Evaluation Working Group) established templates of expected measurement uncertainties for neutron-induced total, (n,gamma), neutron-induced charged-particle, and (n,xn) reaction cross sections as well as prompt fission neutron spectra, average prompt and total fission neutron multiplicities, and fission yields. Templates provide a list of what uncertainty sources are expected for each measurement type and observable, and suggest typical ranges of these uncertainties and correlations based on a survey of experimental data, associated literature, and feedback from experimenters. Information needed to faithfully include the experimental data in the nuclear-data evaluation process is also provided. These templates could assist (a) experimenters and EXFOR compilers in delivering more complete uncertainties and measurement information relevant for evaluations of new experimental data, and (b) evaluators in achieving a more comprehensive uncertainty quantification for evaluation purposes. This effort might ultimately lead to more realistic evaluated covariances for nuclear-data applications. In this topical issue, we cover the templates coming out of this CSEWG effort-typically, one observable per paper. This paper here prefaces this topical issue by introducing the concept and mathematical framework of templates, discussing potential use cases, and giving an example of how they can be applied (estimating missing experimental uncertainties of 235U(n,f) average prompt fission neutron multiplicities), and their impact on nuclear-data evaluations.

The level density steers transition probabilities between different states in the decay and de-excitation of excited nuclei. Reliable level density modelling is, therefore, key in describing, e.g., de-excitation of fission fragments, with implications on neutron and gamma-rays multiplicities, and also manifested in the population of isomeric states. We test six currently used level density models and the spin distribution in the level density by comparing calculations with measured isomeric yield ratios. The model calculations are performed with the TALYS code and experimental data for nuclear reactions populating spin isomers are retrieved from the EXFOR database. On average, calculations are in agreement with measured data. However, we find that the population of the high-spin state in an isomeric pair is clearly favoured in all of the six studied level density models. Further studies are then performed on the three used phenomenological level density models, to investigate the significance of their effect. We find that a significant reduction of the spin width distribution improves the agreement between calculated and experimentally observed isomeric yield ratios. This result is independent of the incident particle in the nuclear reaction. The needed reduction of the spin width distribution to comply with empirical data has, e.g., implications for studies in angular momentum generation in fission using isomeric yield rations, calculations of anti-neutrino spectra from nuclear reactors, as well as neutron and gamma-ray multiplicities in nuclear reactor calculations.

The covariance committee of CSEWG (Cross Section Evaluation Working Group) established templates of expected measurement uncertainties for neutron-induced total, (n,gamma), neutron-induced charged-particle, and (n,xn) reaction cross sections as well as prompt fission neutron spectra, average prompt and total fission neutron multiplicities, and fission yields. Templates provide a list of what uncertainty sources are expected for each measurement type and observable, and suggest typical ranges of these uncertainties and correlations based on a survey of experimental data, associated literature, and feedback from experimenters. Information needed to faithfully include the experimental data in the nuclear-data evaluation process is also provided. These templates could assist (a) experimenters and EXFOR compilers in delivering more complete uncertainties and measurement information relevant for evaluations of new experimental data, and (b) evaluators in achieving a more comprehensive uncertainty quantification for evaluation purposes. This effort might ultimately lead to more realistic evaluated covariances for nuclear-data applications. In this topical issue, we cover the templates coming out of this CSEWG effort-typically, one observable per paper. This paper here prefaces this topical issue by introducing the concept and mathematical framework of templates, discussing potential use cases, and giving an example of how they can be applied (estimating missing experimental uncertainties of 235U(n,f) average prompt fission neutron multiplicities), and their impact on nuclear-data evaluations.

Background: Isomeric yield ratios are an important observable in nuclear fission as they can guide model development by providing insight into the angular momentum generation. Furthermore, isomeric yield ratios are important in applications for nuclear energy, as well as in the study of the r-process in stellar nucleosynthesis, and in the antineutrino mixing angle from reactor spectra. In nuclear data evaluations, the Madland-England model is commonly used to estimate isomeric yield ratios that have not been measured. Purpose: To measure isomeric yield ratios in 25-MeV proton-induced fission of 238U, and to compare the result with the values obtained from the Madland-England model and the fission model code GEF. Furthermore, to evaluate whether the predictions of GEF can be improved by coupling it to the nuclear reaction code TALYS. Methods: Isomeric yield ratios in 25-MeV proton-induced fission of 238U have been measured at the Ion GuideIsotope Separate On-Line facility. The excited state and the ground state were separated by mass using the Phase-Imaging Ion-Cyclotron-Resonance technique in the double Penning trap JYFLTRAP. The number of counts of each state was extracted from the phase-images using a Bayesian Gaussian Mixture model and, after corrections fordetector efficiency and decay, the isomeric yield ratios were derived. The experimental values have been compared with the calculated results from the Madland-England model and the GEF code. Furthermore, GEF has been combined with the nuclear reaction code TALYS, in order to take advantage of the latter codes’ implementation of the Hauser-Feshbach formalism, and the results have been compared with the experimental values. Results: From the measurements, 19 new isomeric yield ratios in 25-MeV proton-induced fission of 238U are reported and are, together with another 12 isomeric yield ratios (IYRs) from a previous campaign, compared with the model calculations. It is shown that, though the models manage to captu

The level density steers transition probabilities between different states in the decay and de-excitation of excited nuclei. Reliable level density modelling is, therefore, key in describing, e.g., de-excitation of fission fragments, with implications on neutron and gamma-rays multiplicities, and also manifested in the population of isomeric states. We test six currently used level density models and the spin distribution in the level density by comparing calculations with measured isomeric yield ratios. The model calculations are performed with the TALYS code and experimental data for nuclear reactions populating spin isomers are retrieved from the EXFOR database. On average, calculations are in agreement with measured data. However, we find that the population of the high-spin state in an isomeric pair is clearly favoured in all of the six studied level density models. Further studies are then performed on the three used phenomenological level density models, to investigate the significance of their effect. We find that a significant reduction of the spin width distribution improves the agreement between calculated and experimentally observed isomeric yield ratios. This result is independent of the incident particle in the nuclear reaction. The needed reduction of the spin width distribution to comply with empirical data has, e.g., implications for studies in angular momentum generation in fission using isomeric yield rations, calculations of anti-neutrino spectra from nuclear reactors, as well as neutron and gamma-ray multiplicities in nuclear reactor calculations.

Measurements of independent fission yield distributions in neutron-induced fission at high neutron energies are important for our fundamental understanding of the fission process, and are also relevant for reactor physics applications. So far, measurements of independent fission yields in proton-induced fission have been performed at the IGISOL facility at the University of Jyväskylä, using the Penning trap as a high resolving-power mass-filter. In order to also facilitate measurements of neutron-induced fission, a dedicated ion guide and a proton-to-neutron converter was developed. However, the first measurement indicates that fewer fission products than expected reach the Penning trap. To explore potential reasons and possible improvements, a simulation model was also developed and benchmarked. The benchmark showed that the model is able to reproduce the performance of the ion guide remarkably well and that the main reason for the low yield of fission products is the low collection efficiency of the ion guide. Based on the benchmark, a new ion guide is being designed. In the new design, the positions of the uranium targets and volume of the ion guide have been changed to increase the collection of fission products. This results in a five-fold increase of the yield. However, the collection efficiency of the new ion guide still needs to be improved in order to achieve intensities of the extracted fission products that are large enough to allow for reasonable measurement times. Because the volume of the ion guide is increased significantly, the extraction time of the ions is expected to be longer than that from the previous ion guide. Therefore, an electric field guidance system that consists of a combination of a stationary electric field and an RF-carpet is considered to be deployed. The stationary field, produced from a set of DC-ring electrodes, accelerates the ions towards the RF-carpet at end plate of the ion guide. The RF-carpet consists of a time-dependent fi

The VElocity foR Direct particle Identification spectrometer (VERDI) is a 2E-2v fission spectrometer that allows the measurement of the total mass distribution of secondary fission fragments with a resolving power of 1-2 u. It consists of two time-of-flight (ToF) arms, with one Micro Channel Plate (MCP) detector and up to 32 Silicon PIPS (Passive Implanted Planar Silicon) detectors per arm. The MCPs provide the start timing signals and the PIPS detectors provide both the energy and the stopping ToF signals. In real conditions, the PIPS signals are affected by the formation of plasma from the interaction between the heavy ions and the detector material. The plasma contributes to a reduction in signal amplitude, resulting in a Pulse Height Defect (PHD), and introduces a signal delay, known as Plasma Delay Time (PDT). An experiment to characterize the PDT and PHD was performed at the LOHENGRIN recoil separator of the Institut Laue Langevin (ILL). Characteristic fission fragments from the 239Pu(n,f) reaction were separated based on their A/Q and E/Q ratios, allowing the measurement of a wide range of energies from 21 to 110 MeV and masses between 80 and 149 u. Six PIPS detectors were characterized to study their individual responses to the PDT and PHD effects. The signals were recorded in a digital acquisition system to completely exploit the offline analysis capabilities. Achieved combined timing and energy resolutions for fission fragments varied between 72(2) ps and 100(4) ps and 1.4% - 2% (FWHM), respectively. Preliminary PHD and PDT data are presented from the masses A=85, 95, 130 and 143. The PHD trends are strongly correlated with both the ion energy and mass. The PDT, on the other hand, shows a strong variation as a function of the ion kinetic energy but a smaller dependence on the ion mass.

We present first preliminary results of a novel method for measuring independent isotopic fission yields (IIFYs) of spontaneous fission (SF) via direct mass measurements, at the FRS Ion Catcher (FRS -IC) at GSI. Fission products were generated from a Cf-252 source installed in a cryogenic stopping cell, and were identified and counted with the multiple-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrometer (MR-TOR-MS) of the FRS-IC, utilizing well-established measurement and data analysis methods. The MR-TOR-MS resolves isobars unambiguously, even with limited statistics, and its non-scanning nature ensures minimal relative systematic uncertainties amongst fission products. The analysis for extracting IIFYs includes isotope-dependent efficiency corrections for all components of the FRS -IC. In particular, we applied a self-consistent technique that takes into account the element-dependent survival efficiencies in the CSC, due to chemical reactions with the buffer gas. Our IIFY results, which cover several tens of fission products in the less -accessible high-mass peak (Z = 56 to 63) down to fission yields at the level of 10(-5), are generally similar to those of the nuclear database ENDF/B-VII.O. Nevertheless, they reveal some structures that are not observed in the database smooth trends. These are the first results of a planned campaign to investigate IIFY distributions of spontaneous fission at the FRS-IC. Upcoming experiments will extend our results to wider Z and N ranges, lower fission yields, and other spontaneously-fissioning actinides.

In a measurement of isomeric yield-ratios in fission, the Phase-Imaging Ion-Cyclotron-Resonance technique, which projects the radial motions of ions in the Penning trap (JYFLTRAP) onto a position-sensitive micro-channel plate detector, has been applied. To obtain the yield ratio, that is the relative population of two states of an isomer pair, a novel analysis procedure has been developed to determine the number of detected ions in each state, as well as corrections for the detector efficiency and decay losses. In order to determine the population of the states in cases where their mass difference is too small to reach full separation, a Bayesian Gaussian Mixture model was implemented. The position-dependent efficiency of the micro-channel plate detector was calibrated by mapping it with 133Cs+ ions, and a Gaussian Process was trained with the position data to construct an efficiency function that could be used to correct the recorded distributions. The obtained numbers of counts of excited and ground-state ions were used to derive the isomeric yield ratio, taking into account decay losses as well as feeding from precursors.

Measurements of independent fission yield distributions in neutron-induced fission at high neutron energies are important for our fundamental understanding of the fission process, and are also relevant for reactor physics applications. So far, measurements of independent fission yields in proton-induced fission have been performed at the IGISOL facility at the University of Jyväskylä, using the Penning trap as a high resolving-power mass-filter. In order to also facilitate measurements of neutron-induced fission, a dedicated ion guide and a proton-to-neutron converter was developed. However, the first measurement indicates that fewer fission products than expected reach the Penning trap. To explore potential reasons and possible improvements, a simulation model was also developed and benchmarked. The benchmark showed that the model is able to reproduce the performance of the ion guide remarkably well and that the main reason for the low yield of fission products is the low collection efficiency of the ion guide. Based on the benchmark, a new ion guide is being designed. In the new design, the positions of the uranium targets and volume of the ion guide have been changed to increase the collection of fission products. This results in a five-fold increase of the yield. However, the collection efficiency of the new ion guide still needs to be improved in order to achieve intensities of the extracted fission products that are large enough to allow for reasonable measurement times. Because the volume of the ion guide is increased significantly, the extraction time of the ions is expected to be longer than that from the previous ion guide. Therefore, an electric field guidance system that consists of a combination of a stationary electric field and an RF-carpet is considered to be deployed. The stationary field, produced from a set of DC-ring electrodes, accelerates the ions towards the RF-carpet at end plate of the ion guide. The RF-carpet consists of a time-dependent fi

The VElocity foR Direct particle Identification spectrometer (VERDI) is a 2E-2v fission spectrometer that allows the measurement of the total mass distribution of secondary fission fragments with a resolving power of 1-2 u. It consists of two time-of-flight (ToF) arms, with one Micro Channel Plate (MCP) detector and up to 32 Silicon PIPS (Passive Implanted Planar Silicon) detectors per arm. The MCPs provide the start timing signals and the PIPS detectors provide both the energy and the stopping ToF signals. In real conditions, the PIPS signals are affected by the formation of plasma from the interaction between the heavy ions and the detector material. The plasma contributes to a reduction in signal amplitude, resulting in a Pulse Height Defect (PHD), and introduces a signal delay, known as Plasma Delay Time (PDT). An experiment to characterize the PDT and PHD was performed at the LOHENGRIN recoil separator of the Institut Laue Langevin (ILL). Characteristic fission fragments from the 239Pu(n,f) reaction were separated based on their A/Q and E/Q ratios, allowing the measurement of a wide range of energies from 21 to 110 MeV and masses between 80 and 149 u. Six PIPS detectors were characterized to study their individual responses to the PDT and PHD effects. The signals were recorded in a digital acquisition system to completely exploit the offline analysis capabilities. Achieved combined timing and energy resolutions for fission fragments varied between 72(2) ps and 100(4) ps and 1.4% - 2% (FWHM), respectively. Preliminary PHD and PDT data are presented from the masses A=85, 95, 130 and 143. The PHD trends are strongly correlated with both the ion energy and mass. The PDT, on the other hand, shows a strong variation as a function of the ion kinetic energy but a smaller dependence on the ion mass.

We present first preliminary results of a novel method for measuring independent isotopic fission yields (IIFYs) of spontaneous fission (SF) via direct mass measurements, at the FRS Ion Catcher (FRS -IC) at GSI. Fission products were generated from a Cf-252 source installed in a cryogenic stopping cell, and were identified and counted with the multiple-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrometer (MR-TOR-MS) of the FRS-IC, utilizing well-established measurement and data analysis methods. The MR-TOR-MS resolves isobars unambiguously, even with limited statistics, and its non-scanning nature ensures minimal relative systematic uncertainties amongst fission products. The analysis for extracting IIFYs includes isotope-dependent efficiency corrections for all components of the FRS -IC. In particular, we applied a self-consistent technique that takes into account the element-dependent survival efficiencies in the CSC, due to chemical reactions with the buffer gas. Our IIFY results, which cover several tens of fission products in the less -accessible high-mass peak (Z = 56 to 63) down to fission yields at the level of 10(-5), are generally similar to those of the nuclear database ENDF/B-VII.O. Nevertheless, they reveal some structures that are not observed in the database smooth trends. These are the first results of a planned campaign to investigate IIFY distributions of spontaneous fission at the FRS-IC. Upcoming experiments will extend our results to wider Z and N ranges, lower fission yields, and other spontaneously-fissioning actinides.

In a measurement of isomeric yield-ratios in fission, the Phase-Imaging Ion-Cyclotron-Resonance technique, which projects the radial motions of ions in the Penning trap (JYFLTRAP) onto a position-sensitive micro-channel plate detector, has been applied. To obtain the yield ratio, that is the relative population of two states of an isomer pair, a novel analysis procedure has been developed to determine the number of detected ions in each state, as well as corrections for the detector efficiency and decay losses. In order to determine the population of the states in cases where their mass difference is too small to reach full separation, a Bayesian Gaussian Mixture model was implemented. The position-dependent efficiency of the micro-channel plate detector was calibrated by mapping it with 133Cs+ ions, and a Gaussian Process was trained with the position data to construct an efficiency function that could be used to correct the recorded distributions. The obtained numbers of counts of excited and ground-state ions were used to derive the isomeric yield ratio, taking into account decay losses as well as feeding from precursors.

In a measurement of isomeric yield-ratios in fission, the Phase-Imaging Ion-Cyclotron-Resonance technique, which projects the radial motions of ions in the Penning trap (JYFLTRAP) onto a position-sensitive micro-channel plate detector, has been applied. To obtain the yield ratio, that is the relative population of two states of an isomer pair, a novel analysis procedure has been developed to determine the number of detected ions in each state, as well as corrections for the detector efficiency and decay losses. In order to determine the population of the states in cases where their mass difference is too small to reach full separation, a Bayesian Gaussian Mixture model was implemented. The position-dependent efficiency of the micro-channel plate detector was calibrated by mapping it with 133Cs+ ions, and a Gaussian Process was trained with the position data to construct an efficiency function that could be used to correct the recorded distributions. The obtained numbers of counts of excited and ground-state ions were used to derive the isomeric yield ratio, taking into account decay losses as well as feeding from precursors.

Measurements of independent fission yield distributions in neutron-induced fission at high neutron energies are important for our fundamental understanding of the fission process, and are also relevant for reactor physics applications. So far, measurements of independent fission yields in proton-induced fission have been performed at the IGISOL facility at the University of Jyväskylä, using the Penning trap as a high resolving-power mass-filter. In order to also facilitate measurements of neutron-induced fission, a dedicated ion guide and a proton-to-neutron converter was developed. However, the first measurement indicates that fewer fission products than expected reach the Penning trap. To explore potential reasons and possible improvements, a simulation model was also developed and benchmarked. The benchmark showed that the model is able to reproduce the performance of the ion guide remarkably well and that the main reason for the low yield of fission products is the low collection efficiency of the ion guide. Based on the benchmark, a new ion guide is being designed. In the new design, the positions of the uranium targets and volume of the ion guide have been changed to increase the collection of fission products. This results in a five-fold increase of the yield. However, the collection efficiency of the new ion guide still needs to be improved in order to achieve intensities of the extracted fission products that are large enough to allow for reasonable measurement times. Because the volume of the ion guide is increased significantly, the extraction time of the ions is expected to be longer than that from the previous ion guide. Therefore, an electric field guidance system that consists of a combination of a stationary electric field and an RF-carpet is considered to be deployed. The stationary field, produced from a set of DC-ring electrodes, accelerates the ions towards the RF-carpet at end plate of the ion guide. The RF-carpet consists of a time-dependent fi

The VElocity foR Direct particle Identification spectrometer (VERDI) is a 2E-2v fission spectrometer that allows the measurement of the total mass distribution of secondary fission fragments with a resolving power of 1-2 u. It consists of two time-of-flight (ToF) arms, with one Micro Channel Plate (MCP) detector and up to 32 Silicon PIPS (Passive Implanted Planar Silicon) detectors per arm. The MCPs provide the start timing signals and the PIPS detectors provide both the energy and the stopping ToF signals. In real conditions, the PIPS signals are affected by the formation of plasma from the interaction between the heavy ions and the detector material. The plasma contributes to a reduction in signal amplitude, resulting in a Pulse Height Defect (PHD), and introduces a signal delay, known as Plasma Delay Time (PDT). An experiment to characterize the PDT and PHD was performed at the LOHENGRIN recoil separator of the Institut Laue Langevin (ILL). Characteristic fission fragments from the 239Pu(n,f) reaction were separated based on their A/Q and E/Q ratios, allowing the measurement of a wide range of energies from 21 to 110 MeV and masses between 80 and 149 u. Six PIPS detectors were characterized to study their individual responses to the PDT and PHD effects. The signals were recorded in a digital acquisition system to completely exploit the offline analysis capabilities. Achieved combined timing and energy resolutions for fission fragments varied between 72(2) ps and 100(4) ps and 1.4% - 2% (FWHM), respectively. Preliminary PHD and PDT data are presented from the masses A=85, 95, 130 and 143. The PHD trends are strongly correlated with both the ion energy and mass. The PDT, on the other hand, shows a strong variation as a function of the ion kinetic energy but a smaller dependence on the ion mass.

We present first preliminary results of a novel method for measuring independent isotopic fission yields (IIFYs) of spontaneous fission (SF) via direct mass measurements, at the FRS Ion Catcher (FRS -IC) at GSI. Fission products were generated from a Cf-252 source installed in a cryogenic stopping cell, and were identified and counted with the multiple-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrometer (MR-TOR-MS) of the FRS-IC, utilizing well-established measurement and data analysis methods. The MR-TOR-MS resolves isobars unambiguously, even with limited statistics, and its non-scanning nature ensures minimal relative systematic uncertainties amongst fission products. The analysis for extracting IIFYs includes isotope-dependent efficiency corrections for all components of the FRS -IC. In particular, we applied a self-consistent technique that takes into account the element-dependent survival efficiencies in the CSC, due to chemical reactions with the buffer gas. Our IIFY results, which cover several tens of fission products in the less -accessible high-mass peak (Z = 56 to 63) down to fission yields at the level of 10(-5), are generally similar to those of the nuclear database ENDF/B-VII.O. Nevertheless, they reveal some structures that are not observed in the database smooth trends. These are the first results of a planned campaign to investigate IIFY distributions of spontaneous fission at the FRS-IC. Upcoming experiments will extend our results to wider Z and N ranges, lower fission yields, and other spontaneously-fissioning actinides.

In a measurement of isomeric yield-ratios in fission, the Phase-Imaging Ion-Cyclotron-Resonance technique, which projects the radial motions of ions in the Penning trap (JYFLTRAP) onto a position-sensitive micro-channel plate detector, has been applied. To obtain the yield ratio, that is the relative population of two states of an isomer pair, a novel analysis procedure has been developed to determine the number of detected ions in each state, as well as corrections for the detector efficiency and decay losses. In order to determine the population of the states in cases where their mass difference is too small to reach full separation, a Bayesian Gaussian Mixture model was implemented. The position-dependent efficiency of the micro-channel plate detector was calibrated by mapping it with 133Cs+ ions, and a Gaussian Process was trained with the position data to construct an efficiency function that could be used to correct the recorded distributions. The obtained numbers of counts of excited and ground-state ions were used to derive the isomeric yield ratio, taking into account decay losses as well as feeding from precursors.

Measurements of independent fission yield distributions in neutron-induced fission at high neutron energies are important for our fundamental understanding of the fission process, and are also relevant for reactor physics applications. So far, measurements of independent fission yields in proton-induced fission have been performed at the IGISOL facility at the University of Jyväskylä, using the Penning trap as a high resolving-power mass-filter. In order to also facilitate measurements of neutron-induced fission, a dedicated ion guide and a proton-to-neutron converter was developed. However, the first measurement indicates that fewer fission products than expected reach the Penning trap. To explore potential reasons and possible improvements, a simulation model was also developed and benchmarked. The benchmark showed that the model is able to reproduce the performance of the ion guide remarkably well and that the main reason for the low yield of fission products is the low collection efficiency of the ion guide. Based on the benchmark, a new ion guide is being designed. In the new design, the positions of the uranium targets and volume of the ion guide have been changed to increase the collection of fission products. This results in a five-fold increase of the yield. However, the collection efficiency of the new ion guide still needs to be improved in order to achieve intensities of the extracted fission products that are large enough to allow for reasonable measurement times. Because the volume of the ion guide is increased significantly, the extraction time of the ions is expected to be longer than that from the previous ion guide. Therefore, an electric field guidance system that consists of a combination of a stationary electric field and an RF-carpet is considered to be deployed. The stationary field, produced from a set of DC-ring electrodes, accelerates the ions towards the RF-carpet at end plate of the ion guide. The RF-carpet consists of a time-dependent fi

Background: Isomeric yield ratios are an important observable in nuclear fission as they can guide model development by providing insight into the angular momentum generation. Furthermore, isomeric yield ratios are important in applications for nuclear energy, as well as in the study of the r-process in stellar nucleosynthesis, and in the antineutrino mixing angle from reactor spectra. In nuclear data evaluations, the Madland-England model is commonly used to estimate isomeric yield ratios that have not been measured. Purpose: To measure isomeric yield ratios in 25-MeV proton-induced fission of 238U, and to compare the result with the values obtained from the Madland-England model and the fission model code GEF. Furthermore, to evaluate whether the predictions of GEF can be improved by coupling it to the nuclear reaction code TALYS. Methods: Isomeric yield ratios in 25-MeV proton-induced fission of 238U have been measured at the Ion GuideIsotope Separate On-Line facility. The excited state and the ground state were separated by mass using the Phase-Imaging Ion-Cyclotron-Resonance technique in the double Penning trap JYFLTRAP. The number of counts of each state was extracted from the phase-images using a Bayesian Gaussian Mixture model and, after corrections fordetector efficiency and decay, the isomeric yield ratios were derived. The experimental values have been compared with the calculated results from the Madland-England model and the GEF code. Furthermore, GEF has been combined with the nuclear reaction code TALYS, in order to take advantage of the latter codes’ implementation of the Hauser-Feshbach formalism, and the results have been compared with the experimental values. Results: From the measurements, 19 new isomeric yield ratios in 25-MeV proton-induced fission of 238U are reported and are, together with another 12 isomeric yield ratios (IYRs) from a previous campaign, compared with the model calculations. It is shown that, though the models manage to captu

Background: Isomeric yield ratios are an important observable in nuclear fission as they can guide model development by providing insight into the angular momentum generation. Furthermore, isomeric yield ratios are important in applications for nuclear energy, as well as in the study of the r-process in stellar nucleosynthesis, and in the antineutrino mixing angle from reactor spectra. In nuclear data evaluations, the Madland-England model is commonly used to estimate isomeric yield ratios that have not been measured. Purpose: To measure isomeric yield ratios in 25-MeV proton-induced fission of 238U, and to compare the result with the values obtained from the Madland-England model and the fission model code GEF. Furthermore, to evaluate whether the predictions of GEF can be improved by coupling it to the nuclear reaction code TALYS. Methods: Isomeric yield ratios in 25-MeV proton-induced fission of 238U have been measured at the Ion GuideIsotope Separate On-Line facility. The excited state and the ground state were separated by mass using the Phase-Imaging Ion-Cyclotron-Resonance technique in the double Penning trap JYFLTRAP. The number of counts of each state was extracted from the phase-images using a Bayesian Gaussian Mixture model and, after corrections fordetector efficiency and decay, the isomeric yield ratios were derived. The experimental values have been compared with the calculated results from the Madland-England model and the GEF code. Furthermore, GEF has been combined with the nuclear reaction code TALYS, in order to take advantage of the latter codes’ implementation of the Hauser-Feshbach formalism, and the results have been compared with the experimental values. Results: From the measurements, 19 new isomeric yield ratios in 25-MeV proton-induced fission of 238U are reported and are, together with another 12 isomeric yield ratios (IYRs) from a previous campaign, compared with the model calculations. It is shown that, though the models manage to captu

The covariance committee of CSEWG (Cross Section Evaluation Working Group) established templates of expected measurement uncertainties for neutron-induced total, (n,gamma), neutron-induced charged-particle, and (n,xn) reaction cross sections as well as prompt fission neutron spectra, average prompt and total fission neutron multiplicities, and fission yields. Templates provide a list of what uncertainty sources are expected for each measurement type and observable, and suggest typical ranges of these uncertainties and correlations based on a survey of experimental data, associated literature, and feedback from experimenters. Information needed to faithfully include the experimental data in the nuclear-data evaluation process is also provided. These templates could assist (a) experimenters and EXFOR compilers in delivering more complete uncertainties and measurement information relevant for evaluations of new experimental data, and (b) evaluators in achieving a more comprehensive uncertainty quantification for evaluation purposes. This effort might ultimately lead to more realistic evaluated covariances for nuclear-data applications. In this topical issue, we cover the templates coming out of this CSEWG effort-typically, one observable per paper. This paper here prefaces this topical issue by introducing the concept and mathematical framework of templates, discussing potential use cases, and giving an example of how they can be applied (estimating missing experimental uncertainties of 235U(n,f) average prompt fission neutron multiplicities), and their impact on nuclear-data evaluations.

The level density steers transition probabilities between different states in the decay and de-excitation of excited nuclei. Reliable level density modelling is, therefore, key in describing, e.g., de-excitation of fission fragments, with implications on neutron and gamma-rays multiplicities, and also manifested in the population of isomeric states. We test six currently used level density models and the spin distribution in the level density by comparing calculations with measured isomeric yield ratios. The model calculations are performed with the TALYS code and experimental data for nuclear reactions populating spin isomers are retrieved from the EXFOR database. On average, calculations are in agreement with measured data. However, we find that the population of the high-spin state in an isomeric pair is clearly favoured in all of the six studied level density models. Further studies are then performed on the three used phenomenological level density models, to investigate the significance of their effect. We find that a significant reduction of the spin width distribution improves the agreement between calculated and experimentally observed isomeric yield ratios. This result is independent of the incident particle in the nuclear reaction. The needed reduction of the spin width distribution to comply with empirical data has, e.g., implications for studies in angular momentum generation in fission using isomeric yield rations, calculations of anti-neutrino spectra from nuclear reactors, as well as neutron and gamma-ray multiplicities in nuclear reactor calculations.

In a measurement of isomeric yield-ratios in fission, the Phase-Imaging Ion-Cyclotron-Resonance technique, which projects the radial motions of ions in the Penning trap (JYFLTRAP) onto a position-sensitive micro-channel plate detector, has been applied. To obtain the yield ratio, that is the relative population of two states of an isomer pair, a novel analysis procedure has been developed to determine the number of detected ions in each state, as well as corrections for the detector efficiency and decay losses. In order to determine the population of the states in cases where their mass difference is too small to reach full separation, a Bayesian Gaussian Mixture model was implemented. The position-dependent efficiency of the micro-channel plate detector was calibrated by mapping it with 133Cs+ ions, and a Gaussian Process was trained with the position data to construct an efficiency function that could be used to correct the recorded distributions. The obtained numbers of counts of excited and ground-state ions were used to derive the isomeric yield ratio, taking into account decay losses as well as feeding from precursors.

We present first preliminary results of a novel method for measuring independent isotopic fission yields (IIFYs) of spontaneous fission (SF) via direct mass measurements, at the FRS Ion Catcher (FRS -IC) at GSI. Fission products were generated from a Cf-252 source installed in a cryogenic stopping cell, and were identified and counted with the multiple-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrometer (MR-TOR-MS) of the FRS-IC, utilizing well-established measurement and data analysis methods. The MR-TOR-MS resolves isobars unambiguously, even with limited statistics, and its non-scanning nature ensures minimal relative systematic uncertainties amongst fission products. The analysis for extracting IIFYs includes isotope-dependent efficiency corrections for all components of the FRS -IC. In particular, we applied a self-consistent technique that takes into account the element-dependent survival efficiencies in the CSC, due to chemical reactions with the buffer gas. Our IIFY results, which cover several tens of fission products in the less -accessible high-mass peak (Z = 56 to 63) down to fission yields at the level of 10(-5), are generally similar to those of the nuclear database ENDF/B-VII.O. Nevertheless, they reveal some structures that are not observed in the database smooth trends. These are the first results of a planned campaign to investigate IIFY distributions of spontaneous fission at the FRS-IC. Upcoming experiments will extend our results to wider Z and N ranges, lower fission yields, and other spontaneously-fissioning actinides.

The VElocity foR Direct particle Identification spectrometer (VERDI) is a 2E-2v fission spectrometer that allows the measurement of the total mass distribution of secondary fission fragments with a resolving power of 1-2 u. It consists of two time-of-flight (ToF) arms, with one Micro Channel Plate (MCP) detector and up to 32 Silicon PIPS (Passive Implanted Planar Silicon) detectors per arm. The MCPs provide the start timing signals and the PIPS detectors provide both the energy and the stopping ToF signals. In real conditions, the PIPS signals are affected by the formation of plasma from the interaction between the heavy ions and the detector material. The plasma contributes to a reduction in signal amplitude, resulting in a Pulse Height Defect (PHD), and introduces a signal delay, known as Plasma Delay Time (PDT). An experiment to characterize the PDT and PHD was performed at the LOHENGRIN recoil separator of the Institut Laue Langevin (ILL). Characteristic fission fragments from the 239Pu(n,f) reaction were separated based on their A/Q and E/Q ratios, allowing the measurement of a wide range of energies from 21 to 110 MeV and masses between 80 and 149 u. Six PIPS detectors were characterized to study their individual responses to the PDT and PHD effects. The signals were recorded in a digital acquisition system to completely exploit the offline analysis capabilities. Achieved combined timing and energy resolutions for fission fragments varied between 72(2) ps and 100(4) ps and 1.4% - 2% (FWHM), respectively. Preliminary PHD and PDT data are presented from the masses A=85, 95, 130 and 143. The PHD trends are strongly correlated with both the ion energy and mass. The PDT, on the other hand, shows a strong variation as a function of the ion kinetic energy but a smaller dependence on the ion mass.

We present first preliminary results of a novel method for measuring independent isotopic fission yields (IIFYs) of spontaneous fission (SF) via direct mass measurements, at the FRS Ion Catcher (FRS -IC) at GSI. Fission products were generated from a Cf-252 source installed in a cryogenic stopping cell, and were identified and counted with the multiple-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrometer (MR-TOR-MS) of the FRS-IC, utilizing well-established measurement and data analysis methods. The MR-TOR-MS resolves isobars unambiguously, even with limited statistics, and its non-scanning nature ensures minimal relative systematic uncertainties amongst fission products. The analysis for extracting IIFYs includes isotope-dependent efficiency corrections for all components of the FRS -IC. In particular, we applied a self-consistent technique that takes into account the element-dependent survival efficiencies in the CSC, due to chemical reactions with the buffer gas. Our IIFY results, which cover several tens of fission products in the less -accessible high-mass peak (Z = 56 to 63) down to fission yields at the level of 10(-5), are generally similar to those of the nuclear database ENDF/B-VII.O. Nevertheless, they reveal some structures that are not observed in the database smooth trends. These are the first results of a planned campaign to investigate IIFY distributions of spontaneous fission at the FRS-IC. Upcoming experiments will extend our results to wider Z and N ranges, lower fission yields, and other spontaneously-fissioning actinides.

The VElocity foR Direct particle Identification spectrometer (VERDI) is a 2E-2v fission spectrometer that allows the measurement of the total mass distribution of secondary fission fragments with a resolving power of 1-2 u. It consists of two time-of-flight (ToF) arms, with one Micro Channel Plate (MCP) detector and up to 32 Silicon PIPS (Passive Implanted Planar Silicon) detectors per arm. The MCPs provide the start timing signals and the PIPS detectors provide both the energy and the stopping ToF signals. In real conditions, the PIPS signals are affected by the formation of plasma from the interaction between the heavy ions and the detector material. The plasma contributes to a reduction in signal amplitude, resulting in a Pulse Height Defect (PHD), and introduces a signal delay, known as Plasma Delay Time (PDT). An experiment to characterize the PDT and PHD was performed at the LOHENGRIN recoil separator of the Institut Laue Langevin (ILL). Characteristic fission fragments from the 239Pu(n,f) reaction were separated based on their A/Q and E/Q ratios, allowing the measurement of a wide range of energies from 21 to 110 MeV and masses between 80 and 149 u. Six PIPS detectors were characterized to study their individual responses to the PDT and PHD effects. The signals were recorded in a digital acquisition system to completely exploit the offline analysis capabilities. Achieved combined timing and energy resolutions for fission fragments varied between 72(2) ps and 100(4) ps and 1.4% - 2% (FWHM), respectively. Preliminary PHD and PDT data are presented from the masses A=85, 95, 130 and 143. The PHD trends are strongly correlated with both the ion energy and mass. The PDT, on the other hand, shows a strong variation as a function of the ion kinetic energy but a smaller dependence on the ion mass.

Measurements of independent fission yield distributions in neutron-induced fission at high neutron energies are important for our fundamental understanding of the fission process, and are also relevant for reactor physics applications. So far, measurements of independent fission yields in proton-induced fission have been performed at the IGISOL facility at the University of Jyväskylä, using the Penning trap as a high resolving-power mass-filter. In order to also facilitate measurements of neutron-induced fission, a dedicated ion guide and a proton-to-neutron converter was developed. However, the first measurement indicates that fewer fission products than expected reach the Penning trap. To explore potential reasons and possible improvements, a simulation model was also developed and benchmarked. The benchmark showed that the model is able to reproduce the performance of the ion guide remarkably well and that the main reason for the low yield of fission products is the low collection efficiency of the ion guide. Based on the benchmark, a new ion guide is being designed. In the new design, the positions of the uranium targets and volume of the ion guide have been changed to increase the collection of fission products. This results in a five-fold increase of the yield. However, the collection efficiency of the new ion guide still needs to be improved in order to achieve intensities of the extracted fission products that are large enough to allow for reasonable measurement times. Because the volume of the ion guide is increased significantly, the extraction time of the ions is expected to be longer than that from the previous ion guide. Therefore, an electric field guidance system that consists of a combination of a stationary electric field and an RF-carpet is considered to be deployed. The stationary field, produced from a set of DC-ring electrodes, accelerates the ions towards the RF-carpet at end plate of the ion guide. The RF-carpet consists of a time-dependent fi

To enhance the production of medium-heavy,neutron-rich nuclei, and to facilitate measurements of independentyields of neutron-induced fission, a proton-toneutronconverter and a dedicated ion guide for neutroninducedfission have been developed for the IGISOL facilityat the University of Jyväskylä. The ion guide holds thefissionable targets, and the fission products emerging fromthe targets are collected in helium gas and transported to thedownstream experimental stations.Acomputer model, basedon a combination of MCNPX for modeling the neutron production,the fission code GEF, and GEANT4 for the transportof the fission products, was developed. The model willbe used to improve the setup with respect to the productionand collection of fission products. In this paper we benchmarkthe model by comparing simulations to a measurementin which fission products were implanted in foils located atdifferent positions in the ion guide. In addition, the productsfrom neutron activation in the titanium foil and the uraniumtargets are studied. The result suggests that the neutron fluxat the high-energy part of the neutron spectrum is overestimatedby approximately 40%.However, the transportation offission products in the uranium targets agrees with the experimentwithin 10%. Furthermore, the simulated transportationof fission products in the helium gas achieves almost perfectagreement with the measurement. Hence, we conclude thatthe model, after correction for the neutron flux, is well suitedfor optimization studies of future ion guide designs.

To enhance the production of medium-heavy,neutron-rich nuclei, and to facilitate measurements of independentyields of neutron-induced fission, a proton-toneutronconverter and a dedicated ion guide for neutroninducedfission have been developed for the IGISOL facilityat the University of Jyväskylä. The ion guide holds thefissionable targets, and the fission products emerging fromthe targets are collected in helium gas and transported to thedownstream experimental stations.Acomputer model, basedon a combination of MCNPX for modeling the neutron production,the fission code GEF, and GEANT4 for the transportof the fission products, was developed. The model willbe used to improve the setup with respect to the productionand collection of fission products. In this paper we benchmarkthe model by comparing simulations to a measurementin which fission products were implanted in foils located atdifferent positions in the ion guide. In addition, the productsfrom neutron activation in the titanium foil and the uraniumtargets are studied. The result suggests that the neutron fluxat the high-energy part of the neutron spectrum is overestimatedby approximately 40%.However, the transportation offission products in the uranium targets agrees with the experimentwithin 10%. Furthermore, the simulated transportationof fission products in the helium gas achieves almost perfectagreement with the measurement. Hence, we conclude thatthe model, after correction for the neutron flux, is well suitedfor optimization studies of future ion guide designs.

To enhance the production of medium-heavy,neutron-rich nuclei, and to facilitate measurements of independentyields of neutron-induced fission, a proton-toneutronconverter and a dedicated ion guide for neutroninducedfission have been developed for the IGISOL facilityat the University of Jyväskylä. The ion guide holds thefissionable targets, and the fission products emerging fromthe targets are collected in helium gas and transported to thedownstream experimental stations.Acomputer model, basedon a combination of MCNPX for modeling the neutron production,the fission code GEF, and GEANT4 for the transportof the fission products, was developed. The model willbe used to improve the setup with respect to the productionand collection of fission products. In this paper we benchmarkthe model by comparing simulations to a measurementin which fission products were implanted in foils located atdifferent positions in the ion guide. In addition, the productsfrom neutron activation in the titanium foil and the uraniumtargets are studied. The result suggests that the neutron fluxat the high-energy part of the neutron spectrum is overestimatedby approximately 40%.However, the transportation offission products in the uranium targets agrees with the experimentwithin 10%. Furthermore, the simulated transportationof fission products in the helium gas achieves almost perfectagreement with the measurement. Hence, we conclude thatthe model, after correction for the neutron flux, is well suitedfor optimization studies of future ion guide designs.

To enhance the production of medium-heavy,neutron-rich nuclei, and to facilitate measurements of independentyields of neutron-induced fission, a proton-toneutronconverter and a dedicated ion guide for neutroninducedfission have been developed for the IGISOL facilityat the University of Jyväskylä. The ion guide holds thefissionable targets, and the fission products emerging fromthe targets are collected in helium gas and transported to thedownstream experimental stations.Acomputer model, basedon a combination of MCNPX for modeling the neutron production,the fission code GEF, and GEANT4 for the transportof the fission products, was developed. The model willbe used to improve the setup with respect to the productionand collection of fission products. In this paper we benchmarkthe model by comparing simulations to a measurementin which fission products were implanted in foils located atdifferent positions in the ion guide. In addition, the productsfrom neutron activation in the titanium foil and the uraniumtargets are studied. The result suggests that the neutron fluxat the high-energy part of the neutron spectrum is overestimatedby approximately 40%.However, the transportation offission products in the uranium targets agrees with the experimentwithin 10%. Furthermore, the simulated transportationof fission products in the helium gas achieves almost perfectagreement with the measurement. Hence, we conclude thatthe model, after correction for the neutron flux, is well suitedfor optimization studies of future ion guide designs.

To enhance the production of medium-heavy,neutron-rich nuclei, and to facilitate measurements of independentyields of neutron-induced fission, a proton-toneutronconverter and a dedicated ion guide for neutroninducedfission have been developed for the IGISOL facilityat the University of Jyväskylä. The ion guide holds thefissionable targets, and the fission products emerging fromthe targets are collected in helium gas and transported to thedownstream experimental stations.Acomputer model, basedon a combination of MCNPX for modeling the neutron production,the fission code GEF, and GEANT4 for the transportof the fission products, was developed. The model willbe used to improve the setup with respect to the productionand collection of fission products. In this paper we benchmarkthe model by comparing simulations to a measurementin which fission products were implanted in foils located atdifferent positions in the ion guide. In addition, the productsfrom neutron activation in the titanium foil and the uraniumtargets are studied. The result suggests that the neutron fluxat the high-energy part of the neutron spectrum is overestimatedby approximately 40%.However, the transportation offission products in the uranium targets agrees with the experimentwithin 10%. Furthermore, the simulated transportationof fission products in the helium gas achieves almost perfectagreement with the measurement. Hence, we conclude thatthe model, after correction for the neutron flux, is well suitedfor optimization studies of future ion guide designs.

The generation of angular momentum in the fission process is still an open question. To shed light on this topic, we started a series of measurements at the IGISOL-JYFLTRAP facility in Finland. Highprecision measurements of isomeric yield ratios (IYR) are performed with a Penning trap, partly with the aim to extract average root-mean-square (rms) quantities of fragment spin distributions. The newly installed Phase-Imaging Ion-Cyclotron Resonance (PI-ICR) technique allows the separation of masses down to tens of keV, which is suffcient to disentangle many isomers. In this paper, we first summarize the previous measurements on the neutron and proton-induced fission of uranium and thorium, e.g. the odd cadmium and indium isotopes (119 ≤ A ≤ 127). The measurements revealed systematic trends as function of mass number, which stimulated further exploration. A recent measurement was performed at IGISIOL and several new IYR data will soon be published, for the first time. Secondly, we employ the TALYS nuclear-reaction code to model one of the newly measured isomer yields. Detailed GEF and TALYS calculations are discussed for the fragment angular momentum distribution in 134I.

The generation of angular momentum in the fission process is still an open question. To shed light on this topic, we started a series of measurements at the IGISOL-JYFLTRAP facility in Finland. Highprecision measurements of isomeric yield ratios (IYR) are performed with a Penning trap, partly with the aim to extract average root-mean-square (rms) quantities of fragment spin distributions. The newly installed Phase-Imaging Ion-Cyclotron Resonance (PI-ICR) technique allows the separation of masses down to tens of keV, which is suffcient to disentangle many isomers. In this paper, we first summarize the previous measurements on the neutron and proton-induced fission of uranium and thorium, e.g. the odd cadmium and indium isotopes (119 ≤ A ≤ 127). The measurements revealed systematic trends as function of mass number, which stimulated further exploration. A recent measurement was performed at IGISIOL and several new IYR data will soon be published, for the first time. Secondly, we employ the TALYS nuclear-reaction code to model one of the newly measured isomer yields. Detailed GEF and TALYS calculations are discussed for the fragment angular momentum distribution in 134I.