0000000000179594
AUTHOR
Peter Kunz
Characterization and Tuning of Ultra High Gradient Permanent Magnet Quadrupoles
The application of quadrupole devices with high field gradients and small apertures requires precise control over higher order multipole field components. We present a new scheme for performance control and tuning, which allows the illumination of most of the quadrupole device aperture because of the reduction of higher order field components. Consequently, the size of the aperture can be minimized to match the beam size achieving field gradients of up to $500\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{T}\text{ }{\mathrm{m}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ at good imaging quality. The characterization method based on a Hall probe measurement and a Fourier analysis was confirmed using the high quality electron beam at the M…
Resonance ionization mass spectrometry for ultratrace analysis of plutonium with a new solid state laser system
Abstract Resonance ionization mass spectrometry (RIMS) is well-suited for isotope selective ultratrace analysis of long-lived radioactive isotopes due to its high element and isotope selectivity and good sensitivity. For the analysis of plutonium with a pulsed RIMS apparatus, a powerful, reliable and easy to handle Nd:YAG pumped titanium–sapphire laser system has been developed and combined with a time-of-flight mass spectrometer. Spectroscopic measurements led to an efficient three step excitation and ionization scheme for plutonium with λ1 = 420.76 nm, λ2 = 847.28 nm, and λ3 = 767.53 nm. The isotope shifts in this scheme for the plutonium isotopes 238 Pu through 244 Pu have been determine…
Efficient three-step, two-color ionization of plutonium using a resonance enhanced 2-photon transition into an autoionizing state
Resonance ionization mass spectrometry (RIMS) has proven to be a powerful method for isotope selective ultra-trace analysis of long-lived radioisotopes. For plutonium detection limits of $\rm 10^{6}$ to $\rm 10^{7}$ atoms have been achieved for various types of samples. So far a three-step, three-color laser excitation scheme was applied for efficient ionization. In this work, a two-photon transition from an excited state into a high-lying autoionizing state, will be presented, yielding a similar overall efficiency as the three-step, three-color ionization scheme. In this way, only two tunable lasers are needed, while the advantages of a three-step, three-color excitation (high selectivity,…
Probing Sizes and Shapes of Nobelium Isotopes by Laser Spectroscopy
Until recently, ground-state nuclear moments of the heaviest nuclei could only be inferred from nuclear spectroscopy, where model assumptions are required. Laser spectroscopy in combination with modern atomic structure calculations is now able to probe these moments directly, in a comprehensive and nuclear-model-independent way. Here we report on unique access to the differential mean-square charge radii of ^{252,253,254}No, and therefore to changes in nuclear size and shape. State-of-the-art nuclear density functional calculations describe well the changes in nuclear charge radii in the region of the heavy actinides, indicating an appreciable central depression in the deformed proton densi…
First Observation of Atomic Levels for the Element Fermium (Z=100)
The atomic level structure of the element fermium was investigated for the first time using a sample of $2.7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{10}$ atoms of the isotope $^{255}\mathrm{F}\mathrm{m}$ with a half-life of 20.1 h. The atoms were evaporated from a filament and stored in the argon buffer gas of an optical cell. Atomic levels were sought by the method of resonance ionization spectroscopy using an excimer-dye-laser combination. Two atomic levels were found at wave numbers $(25\text{ }099.8\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2)$ and $(25\text{ }111.8\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2)\text{ }\text{ }{\mathrm{c}\mathrm{m}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. Partial transition rates to the $5{f}^{12}7{s}…
Forward diffracted parametric X radiation from a silicon single crystal
Experiments were performed with the 855 MeV electron beam of the Mainz Microtron MAMI which focused on still open questions in the X-ray emission process upon traversal of ultra relativistic electrons through single crystals. To elucidate the quest of kinematical versus dynamical production of PXR the radiation from silicon single crystal targets, emitted close to the electron direction, has been studied. The observed interference structures show that PXR is produced in a dynamical process.
First Determination of the Ionization Potential of Actinium and First Observation of Optical Transitions in Ferminm
For the determination of the first ionization potential of actinium, 227Ac was electrodeposited on a Ta backing and covered with ~1 μm Zr. From this filament, Ac atoms were evaporated at ≥ 1250 °C. By resonant excitation with UV light of 388.67 nm and subsequent excitation with light of ca. 568 nm, Ac was ionized in an external electrical field. By determining the ionization thresholds as a function of the electrical field strength and by extrapolation to zero field strength, the first ionization potential of 43398(3) cm−1 = 5.3807(3) eV was measured.About 1 ng of 255Fm, half life 20.1 h, was prepared at ORNL by milking from 255Es produced in the High Flux Isotope Reactor and shipped to Mai…
Resonance ionization spectroscopy of fermium (Z=100)
Laser spectroscopy has been applied for the first time to measure resonant transition frequencies of fermium (Zs 100). A number of 2.7=10 atoms was electrodeposited on a Ta filament and covered with a 1 mm Ti layer. Fm 10
Assessment of tumor microcirculation with dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI in patients with esophageal cancer: initial experience.
PURPOSE: To investigate the feasibility and impact of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) on tumor characterization and response to radiochemotherapy (RCT) in patients with esophageal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 48 patients underwent DCE-MRI to assess tumor microcirculation based on a two-compartment model function. Effects of RCT on kinetic parameters were studied in 12 patients with squamous cell carcinoma. RESULTS: Tumor microcirculation differs with respect to histological subtype: squamous cell carcinomas showed lower values of amplitude A (leakage space, P = 0.015) and higher contrast agent exchange rates (k(21), P = 0.225) compared with adenoc…
<title>Forward diffracted parametric X radiation from a thick Tungsten single crystal at 855 MeV electron energy</title>
Features of forward diffracted Parametric X-Radiation (PXR) were investigated at experiments with the 855 MeV electron beam of the Mainz Microtron MAMI employing a 410 micrometer thick tungsten single crystal. Virtual photons from the electron field are diffracted by the (10-1) plane at a Bragg angle of 3.977 degree. Forward emitted radiation was analyzed at an energy of 40 keV with the (111) lattice planes of a flat silicon single crystal in Bragg geometry. Clear peak structures were observed in an angular scan of the tungsten single crystal. The results were analyzed with a model which describes forward diffracted PXR under real experimental conditions. The experiments show that forward d…
Developments for resonance ionization laser spectroscopy of the heaviest elements at SHIP
Abstract The experimental determination of atomic levels and the first ionization potential of the heaviest elements ( Z ⩾ 100 ) is key to challenge theoretical predictions and to reveal changes in the atomic shell structure. These elements are only artificially produced in complete-fusion evaporation reactions at on-line facilities such as the GSI in Darmstadt at a rate of, at most, a few atoms per second. Hence, highly sensitive spectroscopic methods are required. Laser spectroscopy is one of the most powerful and valuable tools to investigate atomic properties. In combination with a buffer-gas filled stopping cell, the Radiation Detected Resonance Ionization Spectroscopy (RADRIS) techniq…
Trace analysis of plutonium in environmental samples by resonance ionization mass spectroscopy (RIMS)
Resonance ionization mass spectroscopy (RIMS) is well suited for trace analysis of long-lived radioisotopes in environmental, biological and technical samples. By multiple resonant laser excitation and ionization of the elemental atoms under investigation, an extremely high element selectivity can be achieved. In addition, isotope selectivity is obtained by subsequent mass analysis. The excellent sensitivity results from the large atomic cross-sections in the excitation–ionization process and the good detection efficiency for ions. The element selectivity of RIMS allows a simplified procedure for the chemical preparation of the samples compared to the requirements of thin sources for α-spec…
Möglichkeiten der 16-Schicht-CT bei der linksventrikulären Funktionsbestimmung: Beurteilung zweier unterschiedlicher Software-Tools zur quantitativen Funktionsanalyse sowie qualitative Bewertung von Wandbewegungsstörungen im Vergleich zur Magnetresonanztomographie
PURPOSE To determine global and regional left ventricular (LV) function from retrospectively gated multidetector row computed tomography (CT) by using two different semiautomated analysis tools and to correlate the results with those of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS Nineteen patients (5 females, 14 males, mean age 69 years) underwent 16-slice spiral-CT (MS-CT) with standard technique without administration of beta-blockers for a decrease in the cardiac rate. Ten series of images were reconstructed at every 10 % of the RR-interval. With commercially available software capable of semiautomated contour detection, end-diastolic and end-systolic LV volumes (EDV and ESV)…
Atom-at-a-time laser resonance ionization spectroscopy of nobelium
Resonance ionization spectroscopy of nobelium (atomic number 102) reveals its ground-state transition and an upper limit for its ionization potential, paving the way to characterizing even heavier elements via optical spectroscopy. Characterizing the heaviest elements in the periodic table is a gruelling task because they are radioactive, exist only for split seconds at a time and need to be artificially produced in sufficient quantities by complicated procedures. The heaviest element that has been characterized by optical spectroscopy is fermium, which has an atomic number of 100. Mustapha Laatiaoui et al. extend the methods used for fermium to perform optical spectroscopy on nobelium (ato…
Isotope selective ultratrace analysis of plutonium by resonance ionisation mass spectrometry
Abstract Resonance ionisation mass spectrometry (RIMS) is a sensitive and selective method for isotopically resolved ultratrace analysis of long-lived radionuclides. For the routine analysis of plutonium three titanium–sapphire lasers pumped by a pulsed Nd:YAG laser in combination with a time-of-flight mass spectrometer are used. The detection limit of this system is as low as 106–107 atoms for the plutonium isotopes 238Pu to 244Pu. The RIMS technique was applied to investigate the isotopic composition and the content of plutonium in a depleted uranium penetrator as used during the Balkan conflict delivering important information on the origin of the depleted uranium in this type of ammunit…
Precision Measurement of the First Ionization Potential of Nobelium
One of the most important atomic properties governing an element's chemical behavior is the energy required to remove its least-bound electron, referred to as the first ionization potential. For the heaviest elements, this fundamental quantity is strongly influenced by relativistic effects which lead to unique chemical properties. Laser spectroscopy on an atom-at-a-time scale was developed and applied to probe the optical spectrum of neutral nobelium near the ionization threshold. The first ionization potential of nobelium is determined here with a very high precision from the convergence of measured Rydberg series to be 6.626 21±0.000 05 eV. This work provides a stringent benchmark for st…
Miniature magnetic devices for laser-based, table-top free-electron lasers
Truly table-top sized radiation sources based on compact laser-plasma accelerators require compact and strong focusing devices and efficient short-period undulators. Complementing our recent theoretical work on the feasibility of a table-top FEL, we here present the design and successful experimental characterizations of a 5 mm period length undulator and miniature quadrupole magnets with field gradients of the order of $500\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{T}/\mathrm{m}$.
Planar channeling experiments with electrons at the 855MeV Mainz Microtron MAMI
Abstract Planar channeling has been studied for silicon single crystals at a beam energy of 855 MeV at the Mainz Microtron MAMI. Complex channeling patterns were observed from which the crystal orientation can unambiguously be determined. Photon spectra at (1 0 0), (1 1 0) and (1 1 1) planar channeling were recorded with a 10″ × 10″ NaI detector. The planar (1 1 0) channeling process has been studied as function of the crystal thickness in the range between 7.9 and 270 μm from which a dechanneling length of 18.0 μm and the thickness dependent rechanneling lengths were deduced, employing solutions of the Fokker–Planck equation. A signal derived from high energy bremsstrahlung exhibits a char…
Kontrastmittelverstärkte 3D-MRA der Pulmonalarterien mit integrierter paralleler Akquisitionstechnik (iPAT) bei Patienten mit CTEPH - sagittale oder koronare Datenaufnahme?
PURPOSE Comparison of two different types of contrast-enhanced 3D-MR angiography (CE-MRA) with integrated parallel acquisition technique (iPAT) in patients with chronic-thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) and evaluation whether sagittal acquisition with higher resolution and minimized acquisition time is superior to common coronal orientation. MATERIALS AND METHODS CE-MRA was performed on 15 patients with CTEPH preoperatively and on 10 patients also postoperatively, while 5 other patients received only a postoperative MRA. All 30 MR studies with one coronal and two sagittal acquisitions were blindly evaluated and compared. The resolution of coronal and sagittal MRA was 1.3 x 0.6 x…
CHANNELING EXPERIMENTS WITH ELECTRONS AT THE MAINZ MICROTRON MAMI
The dechanneling process of electrons in silicon single crystals has been studied at the Mainz Microtron MAMI for (110)-planar channeling of electrons at beam energies between 195 and 855 MeV. Dechanneling lengths were derived from a high and a low energy loss signal of the electrons which were recorded as function of the crystal orientation with respect to the beam direction for various crystal thicknesses in the range between 14.7 µm and 467 µm. The high energy loss signal corresponds to an energy loss of about 75 % of the total electron energy by emission of a bremsstrahlung photon, while the low energy signal to an energy loss of 0.7-1.7 % by emission of channelling radiation. While th…
Recent developments in and applications of resonance ionization mass spectrometry
Resonance Ionization Mass Spectrometry (RIMS) has nowadays reached the status of a routine method for sensitive and selective ultratrace determination of long-lived radioactive isotopes in environmental, biomedical and technical samples. It provides high isobaric suppression, high to ultra-high isotopic selectivity and good overall efficiency. Experimental detection limits are as low as 106 atoms per sample and permit the fast and sensitive determination of ultratrace amounts of radiotoxic contaminations. Experimental arrangements for the detection of different radiotoxic isotopes, e.g. 236–244Pu, 89,90Sr and 99Tc in environmental samples are described, and the application of RIMS to the ul…
Impact of buffer gas quenching on the $^1S_0$ $\to$ $^1P_1$ ground-state atomic transition in nobelium
International audience; Using the sensitive Radiation Detected Resonance Ionization Spectroscopy (RADRIS) techniquean optical transition in neutral nobelium (No, Z = 102) was identified. A remnant signal when delaying the ionizing laser indicated the influence of a strong buffer gas induced de-excitation of the optically populated level. A subsequent investigation of the chemical homologue, ytterbium (Yb, Z = 70), enabled a detailed study of the atomic levels involved in this process, leading to the development of a rate equation model. This paves the way for characterizing resonance ionization spectroscopy (RIS) schemes used in the studyof nobelium and beyond, where atomic properties are c…