0000000000446800
AUTHOR
M. Williams
showing 29 related works from this author
Isospin symmetry in B(E2) values: Coulomb excitation study of Mg21
2019
The Tz=−32 nucleus 21Mg has been studied by Coulomb excitation on 196Pt and 110Pd targets. A 205.6(1)-keV γ-ray transition resulting from the Coulomb excitation of the 52+ ground state to the first excited 12+ state in 21Mg was observed for the first time. Coulomb excitation cross-section measurements with both targets and a measurement of the half-life of the 12+ state yield an adopted value of B(E2;52+→12+)=13.3(4) W.u. A new excited state at 1672(1) keV with tentative 92+ assignment was also identified in 21Mg. This work demonstrates a large difference in the B(E2;52+→12+) value between T=32, A=21 mirror nuclei. The difference is investigated in the shell-model framework employing both i…
Precision measurement of the ratio of the Λb0 to B¯0 lifetimes
2014
The LHCb measurement of the lifetime ratio of the Lambda(0)(b) baryon to the (B) over bar (0) meson is updated using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0 fb(-1) collected using 7 and 8 TeV centre-of-mass energy pp collisions at the LHC. The decay modes used are Lambda(0)(b) -> J/psi pK(-) and (B) over bar (0) -> J/psi pi K-+(-), where the pi K-+(-) mass is consistent with that of the (K) over bar*(0)(892) meson. The lifetime ratio is determined with unprecedented precision to be 0.974 +/- 0.006 +/- 0.004, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. This result is in agreement with original theoretical predictions based on the heavy quark expansion.…
First Observation of Top Quark Production in the Forward Region
2015
Top quark production in the forward region in proton-proton collisions is observed for the first time. The W + b final state with W → μν is reconstructed using muons with a transverse momentum, p[subscript T], larger than 25 GeV in the pseudorapidity range 2.0 20 GeV. The results are based on data corresponding to integrated luminosities of 1.0 and 2.0 fb[superscript -1] collected at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV by LHCb. The inclusive top quark production cross sections in the fiducial region are σ(top)[7 TeV] = 239 ± 53(stat) ± 33(syst) ± 24(theory) fb, σ(top)[8 TeV] = 289 ± 43(stat) ± 40(syst) ± 29(theory) fb.These results, along with the observed differential yields and c…
Precision measurement of D meson mass differences
2013
Using three- and four-body decays of D mesons produced in semileptonic b-hadron decays, precision measurements of D meson mass differences are made together with a measurement of the D-0 mass. The measurements are based on a dataset corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 1.0 fb(-1) collected in pp collisions at 7 TeV. Using the decay D-0 -> K+K-K-pi(+), the D-0 mass is measured to be M(D-0) = 1864.75 +/- 0.15 (stat) +/- 0.11 (syst) MeV/c(2). The mass differences M(D+) - M(D-0) = 4.76 +/- 0.12 (stat) +/- 0.07 (syst) MeV/c(2), M(D-s(+)) - M(D+) = 98.68 +/- 0.03 (stat) +/- 0.04 (syst) MeV/c(2) are measured using the D-0 -> K+K-pi(+)pi(-) and D-(s)(+) -> K+K-pi(+) modes.
Efficient generation of energetic ions in multi-ion plasmas by radio-frequency heating
2017
We describe a new technique for the efficient generation of high-energy ions with electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves in multi-ion plasmas. The discussed ‘three-ion’ scenarios are especially suited for strong wave absorption by a very low number of resonant ions. To observe this effect, the plasma composition has to be properly adjusted, as prescribed by theory. We demonstrate the potential of the method on the world-largest plasma magnetic confinement device, JET (Joint European Torus, Culham, UK), and the high-magnetic-field tokamak Alcator C-Mod (Cambridge, USA). The obtained results demonstrate efficient acceleration of 3He ions to high energies in dedicated hydrogen–deuterium mixtures.…
Isospin symmetry in $B(E2)$ values: Coulomb excitation study of ${}^{21}$Mg
2018
The $T_z$~=~$-\frac{3}{2}$ nucleus ${}^{21}$Mg has been studied by Coulomb excitation on ${}^{196}$Pt and ${}^{110}$Pd targets. A 205.6(1)-keV $\gamma$-ray transition resulting from the Coulomb excitation of the $\frac{5}{2}^+$ ground state to the first excited $\frac{1}{2}^+$ state in ${}^{21}$Mg was observed for the first time. Coulomb excitation cross-section measurements with both targets and a measurement of the half-life of the $\frac{1}{2}^+$ state yield an adopted value of $B(E2;\frac{5}{2}^+\rightarrow\frac{1}{2}^+)$~=~13.3(4)~W.u. A new excited state at 1672(1)~keV with tentative $\frac{9}{2}^+$ assignment was also identified in ${}^{21}$Mg. This work demonstrates large difference…
Study of W Boson Production in Association with Beauty and Charm
2015
The associated production of a W boson with a jet originating from either a light parton or heavy-flavor quark is studied in the forward region using proton-proton collisions. The analysis uses data corresponding to integrated luminosities of 1.0 and 2.0 fb[superscript -1] collected with the LHCb detector at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV, respectively. The W bosons are reconstructed using the W → μν decay and muons with a transverse momentum, p[subscript T], larger than 20 GeV in the pseudorapidity range 2.0 20 GeV and 2.2 20 GeV. The fraction of W + jet events that originate from beauty and charm quarks is measured, along with the charge asymmetries of the W + b and W + c produ…
Measurement of the chi(b) (3 P) mass and of the relative rate of chi(b1) (1 P) and chi(b2) (1 P) production
2014
The production of $\chi_b$ mesons in proton-proton collisions is studied using a data sample collected by the LHCb detector, at centre-of-mass energies of $\sqrt{s}=7$ and $8$ TeV and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0 fb$^{-1}$. The $\chi_b$ mesons are identified through their decays to $\Upsilon(1S)\gamma$ and $\Upsilon(2S)\gamma$ using photons that converted to $e^+e^-$ pairs in the detector. The $\chi_b(3P)$ meson mass, and the relative prompt production rate of $\chi_{b1}(1P)$ and $\chi_{b2}(1P)$ mesons as a function of the $\Upsilon(1S)$ transverse momentum in the $\chi_b$ rapidity range 2.0< $y$<4.5, are measured. Assuming a mass splitting between the $\chi_{b1}(3P)$ an…
Observation of charmonium pairs produced exclusively in $pp$ collisions
2014
A search is performed for the central exclusive production of pairs of charmonia produced in proton-proton collisions. Using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of $3{\rm\ fb}^{-1}$ collected at centre-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV, $J/\psi J/\psi$ and $J/\psi\psi(2S)$ pairs are observed, which have been produced in the absence of any other activity inside the LHCb acceptance that is sensitive to charged particles in the pseudorapidity ranges $(-3.5,-1.5)$ and $(1.5,5.0)$. Searches are also performed for pairs of P-wave charmonia and limits are set on their production. The cross-sections for these processes, where the dimeson system has a rapidity between 2.0 and 4.5, are measu…
Novel method for determination of tritium depth profiles in metallic samples
2019
Tritium accumulation in fusion reactor materials is considered a serious radiological issue, therefore a lot of effort has been concentrated on the development of radiometric techniques. A novel method, based on gradual dissolution, for the determination of the total tritium content and its depth profiles in metallic samples is demonstrated. This method allows for the measurement of tritium in metallic samples after their exposure to a hydrogen and tritium mixture, tritium containing plasma or after irradiation with neutrons resulting in tritium formation. In this method, successive layers of metal are removed using an appropriate etching agent in the controlled regime and the amount of evo…
Measurement of CP asymmetry in D 0 → K - K + and D 0 → π - πdecays
2014
Time-integrated $CP$ asymmetries in $D^0$ decays to the final states $K^- K^+$ and $\pi^- \pi^+$ are measured using proton-proton collisions corresponding to $3\mathrm{\,fb}^{-1}$ of integrated luminosity collected at centre-of-mass energies of $7\mathrm{\,Te\kern -0.1em V}$ and $8\mathrm{\,Te\kern -0.1em V}$. The $D^0$ mesons are produced in semileptonic $b$-hadron decays, where the charge of the accompanying muon is used to determine the initial flavour of the charm meson. The difference in $CP$ asymmetries between the two final states is measured to be \begin{align} \Delta A_{CP} = A_{CP}(K^-K^+)-A_{CP}(\pi^-\pi^+) = (+0.14 \pm 0.16\mathrm{\,(stat)} \pm 0.08\mathrm{\,(syst)})\% \ . \nonu…
Overview of the JET results
2015
Since the installation of an ITER-like wall, the JET programme has focused on the consolidation of ITER design choices and the preparation for ITER operation, with a specific emphasis given to the bulk tungsten melt experiment, which has been crucial for the final decision on the material choice for the day-one tungsten divertor in ITER. Integrated scenarios have been progressed with the re-establishment of long-pulse, high-confinement H-modes by optimizing the magnetic configuration and the use of ICRH to avoid tungsten impurity accumulation. Stationary discharges with detached divertor conditions and small edge localized modes have been demonstrated by nitrogen seeding. The differences in…
Measurement of CP asymmetry in Bs0 → Ds ∓K± decays
2014
Journal of high energy physics 2018(3), 59 (2018). doi:10.1007/JHEP03(2018)059
Measurement of the mass and lifetime of the Ω(−)(b) baryon
2016
A proton-proton collision data sample, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3 fb$^{-1}$ collected by LHCb at $\sqrt{s}=7$ and 8 TeV, is used to reconstruct $63\pm9$ $\Omega_b^-\to\Omega_c^0\pi^-$, $\Omega_c^0\to pK^-K^-\pi^+$ decays. Using the $\Xi_b^-\to\Xi_c^0\pi^-$, $\Xi_c^0\to pK^-K^-\pi^+$ decay mode for calibration, the lifetime ratio and absolute lifetime of the $\Omega_b^-$ baryon are measured to be \begin{align*} \frac{\tau_{\Omega_b^-}}{\tau_{\Xi_b^-}} &= 1.11\pm0.16\pm0.03, \\ \tau_{\Omega_b^-} &= 1.78\pm0.26\pm0.05\pm0.06~{\rm ps}, \end{align*} where the uncertainties are statistical, systematic and from the calibration mode (for $\tau_{\Omega_b^-}$ only). A measurement …
Observation of $Z$ production in proton-lead collisions at LHCb
2014
The first observation of $Z$ boson production in proton-lead collisions at a centre-of-mass energy per proton-nucleon pair of $\sqrt{s_{NN}}=5~\text{TeV}$ is presented. The data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of $1.6~\text{nb}^{-1}$ collected with the LHCb detector. The $Z$ candidates are reconstructed from pairs of oppositely charged muons with pseudorapidities between 2.0 and 4.5 and transverse momenta above $20~\text{GeV}/c$. The invariant dimuon mass is restricted to the range $60-120~\text{GeV}/c^2$. The $Z$ production cross-section is measured to be \begin{eqnarray*} ��_{Z\to��^+��^-}(\text{fwd})&=&13.5^{+5.4}_{-4.0}\text{(stat.)}\pm1.2\text{(syst.)}~\text{nb} …
SARS-CoV-2 vaccination modelling for safe surgery to save lives: data from an international prospective cohort study
2021
Abstract Background Preoperative SARS-CoV-2 vaccination could support safer elective surgery. Vaccine numbers are limited so this study aimed to inform their prioritization by modelling. Methods The primary outcome was the number needed to vaccinate (NNV) to prevent one COVID-19-related death in 1 year. NNVs were based on postoperative SARS-CoV-2 rates and mortality in an international cohort study (surgical patients), and community SARS-CoV-2 incidence and case fatality data (general population). NNV estimates were stratified by age (18–49, 50–69, 70 or more years) and type of surgery. Best- and worst-case scenarios were used to describe uncertainty. Results NNVs were more favourable in su…
Differential branching fractions and isospin asymmetries of B -> K ((*)) μ(+) μ(-) decays
2014
The isospin asymmetries of $B \to K\mu^+\mu^-$ and $B \to K^{*}\mu^+\mu^-$ decays and the partial branching fractions of the $B^0 \to K^0\mu^+\mu^-$, $B^+ \to K^+\mu^+\mu^-$ and $B^+ \to K^{*+}\mu^+\mu^-$ decays are measured as functions of the dimuon mass squared, $q^2$. The data used correspond to an integrated luminosity of 3$~$fb$^{-1}$ from proton-proton collisions collected with the LHCb detector at centre-of-mass energies of 7$\,$TeV and 8$\,$TeV in 2011 and 2012, respectively. The isospin asymmetries are both consistent with the Standard Model expectations. The three measured branching fractions, while individually consistent, all favour lower values than their respective Standard M…
Measurement of W-pair production in e+e- collisions at 183 GeV
1999
The production of W+W- pairs is analysed in a data sample collected by ALEPH at a mean centre-of-mass energy of 182.7 GeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 57 pb-1. Cross sections are given for different topologies of W decays into leptons or hadrons. Under Standard Model assumptions for the W-pair production and decay, the W-pair cross section is measured to be 15.57+-0.62(stat.)+-0.29(syst.) pb. Using also the W-pair data samples collected by ALEPH at lower centre-of-mass energies, the decay branching ratio of the W boson into hadrons is measured to be B(W->hadrons)= 68.93+-1.21(stat.)+-0.51(syst.)%, allowing a determination of the CKM matrix element |Vcs|= 1.043 +- 0.058(s…
Search for pair production of second generation scalar leptoquarks
2008
We report on a search for the pair production of second generation scalar leptoquarks (LQ) in ppbar collisions at the center of mass energy sqrt(s)=1.96 TeV using a data set corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 1.0 fb-1 collected with the D0 experiment at the Fermilab Tevatron Collider. Topologies arising from the LQLQbar->muqnuq and LQLQbar->muqmuq decay modes are investigated. No excess of data over the standard model prediction is observed and upper limits on the leptoquark pair production cross section are derived at the 95% C.L. as a function of the leptoquark mass and the branching fraction beta for the decay LQ->muq. These are interpreted as lower limits on the lepto…
Comparison of the structure of the plasma-facing surface and tritium accumulation in beryllium tiles from JET ILW campaigns 2011-2012 and 2013-2014
2019
In this study, beryllium tiles from Joint European Torus (JET) vacuum vessel wall were analysed and compared regarding their position in the vacuum vessel and differences in the exploitation conditions during two campaigns of ITER-Like-Wall (ILW) in 2011-2012 (ILW1) and 2013-2014 (ILW2) Tritium content in beryllium samples were assessed. Two methods were used to measure tritium content in the samples - dissolution under controlled conditions and tritium thermal desorption. Prior to desorption and dissolution experiments, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy were used to study structure and chemical composition of plasma-facing-surfaces of the beryllium sampl…
Differential branching fraction and angular analysis of the decay $B^{0} \to K^{*0} \mu^{+}\mu^{-}$
2013
The angular distribution and differential branching fraction of the decay B-0 -> K*(0)mu(+)mu(-) are studied using a data sample, collected by the LHCb experiment in pp collisions at root s = 7 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 1.0 fb(-1). Several angular observables are measured in bins of the dimuon invariant mass squared, q(2). A first measurement of the zero-crossing point of the forward-backward asymmetry of the dimuon system is also presented. The zero-crossing point is measured to be q(0)(2) = 4.9 +/- 0.9 GeV2/c(4), where the uncertainty is the sum of statistical and systematic uncertainties. The results are consistent with the Standard Model predictions.
The rapid atmospheric monitoring system of the Pierre Auger Observatory
2012
The Pierre Auger Observatory is a facility built to detect air showers produced by cosmic rays above 1017 eV. During clear nights with a low illuminated moon fraction, the UV fluorescence light produced by air showers is recorded by optical telescopes at the Observatory. To correct the observations for variations in atmospheric conditions, atmospheric monitoring is performed at regular intervals ranging from several minutes (for cloud identification) to several hours (for aerosol conditions) to several days (for vertical profiles of temperature, pressure, and humidity). In 2009, the monitoring program was upgraded to allow for additional targeted measurements of atmospheric conditions shor…
Searches for violation of lepton flavour and baryon number in tau lepton decays at LHCb
2013
Searches for the lepton flavour violating decay tau(-) -> mu(-)mu(+)mu(-) and the lepton flavour and baryon number violating decays tau(-) -> (p) over bar mu(+)mu(-) and tau(-) -> p mu(-)mu(-) have been carried out using proton-proton collision data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 1.0 fb(-1), taken by the LHCb experiment at root s = 7 TeV. No evidence has been found for any signal, and limits have been set at 90% confidence level on the branching fractions: B(tau(-) -> mu(-)mu(+)mu(-) mu(+)mu(-)) p mu(-)mu(-)) (p) over bar mu(+)mu(-) and tau(-) -> p mu(-)mu(-) decay modes represent the first direct experimental limits on these channels.
Measurement of CP asymmetries in the decays B0 → K*0 μ+μ- and B+ → K+ μ+μ-
2014
The direct CP asymmetries of the decays B 0 → K *0 μ + μ − and B + → K + μ + μ − are measured using pp collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0 fb−1 collected with the LHCb detector. The respective control modes B 0 → J/ψK *0 and B + → J/ψK + are used to account for detection and production asymmetries. The measurements are made in several intervals of μ + μ − invariant mass squared, with the ϕ(1020) and charmonium resonance regions excluded. Under the hypothesis of zero CP asymmetry in the control modes, the average values of the asymmetries are ACP(B0→K∗0μ+μ−)=−0.035±0.024±0.003,ACP(B+→K+μ+μ−)=0.012±0.017±0.001, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the …
Reviewing research priorities in weed ecology, evolution and management: a horizon scan.
2018
Weedy plants pose a major threat to food security, biodiversity, ecosystem services and consequently to human health and wellbeing. However, many currently used weed management approaches are increasingly unsustainable. To address this knowledge and practice gap, in June 2014, 35 weed and invasion ecologists, weed scientists, evolutionary biologists and social scientists convened a workshop to explore current and future perspectives and approaches in weed ecology and management. A horizon scanning exercise ranked a list of 124 pre-submitted questions to identify a priority list of 30 questions. These questions are discussed under seven themed headings that represent areas for renewed and em…
Determination of the $X(3872)$ meson quantum numbers
2013
The quantum numbers of the X(3872) meson are determined to be J(PC) = 1(++) based on angular correlations in B+ -> X(3872)K+ decays, where X(3872) -> pi(+) pi(-) j/psi and J/psi -> pi(+) mu(-). The data correspond to 1.0 fb(-1) of pp collisions collected by the LHCb detector. The only alternative assignment allowed by previous measurements J(PC) = 2(-+) is rejected with a confidence level equivalent to more than 8 Gaussian standard deviations using a likelihood-ratio test in the full angular phase space. This result favors exotic explanations of the X(3872) state.
Search for CP violation using T-odd correlations in D-0 -> K+K-pi(+)pi(-) decays
2014
A search for $CP$ violation using $T$-odd correlations is performed using the four-body $D^0 \to K^+K^-\pi^+\pi^-$ decay, selected from semileptonic $B$ decays. The data sample corresponds to integrated luminosities of $1.0\,\text{fb}^{-1}$ and $2.0\,\text{fb}^{-1}$ recorded at the centre-of-mass energies of 7 TeV and 8 TeV, respectively. The $CP$-violating asymmetry $a_{CP}^{T\text{-odd}}$ is measured to be $(0.18\pm 0.29\text{(stat)}\pm 0.04\text{(syst)})\%$. Searches for $CP$ violation in different regions of phase space of the four-body decay, and as a function of the $D^0$ decay time, are also presented. No significant deviation from the $CP$ conservation hypothesis is found.
First study of the CP-violating phase and decay-width difference in Bs0→ψ(2S)ϕ decays
2016
A time-dependent angular analysis of Bs0→ψ(2S)ϕ decays is performed using data recorded by the LHCb experiment. The data set corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 3.0fb−1 collected during Run 1 of the LHC. The CP-violating phase and decay-width difference of the Bs0 system are measured to be ϕs=0.23−0.28+0.29±0.02rad and ΔΓs=0.066−0.044+0.041±0.007ps−1, respectively, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. This is the first time that ϕs and ΔΓs have been measured in a decay containing the ψ(2S) resonance.
Modelling of JET hybrid plasmas with emphasis on performance of combined ICRF and NBI heating
2018
International audience; During the 2015--2016 JET campaigns, many efforts have been devoted to the exploration of high-performance plasma scenarios envisaged for DT operation in JET. In this paper, we review various key recent hybrid discharges and model the combined ICRF NBI heating. These deuterium discharges with deuterium beams had the ICRF antenna frequency tuned to match the cyclotron frequency of minority H at the centre of the tokamak coinciding with the second harmonic cyclotron resonance of D. The modelling takes into account the synergy between ICRF and NBI heating through the second harmonic cyclotron resonance of D beam ions, allowing us to assess its impact on the neutron rate…