Speaker
Description
Mass spectrometry plays a crucial role in numerous fields of physics such as nuclear structure, and neutrino research. Precise mass measurements provide information on nuclear binding and nucleon separation energies, offering insight into shell and subshell closures, and nuclear deformation. The TITAN (TRIUMF's Ion Trap for Atomic and Nuclear science) facility is committed to conducting high-precision and fast mass measurements. Over the past several measurement campaigns, the masses of numerous nuclides located across the nuclear chart have been measured. Most campaigns have utilized a fast, time-of-flight technique using a Multi-Reflection Time-of-flight Mass Spectrometer (MR-TOF-MS). The measured masses have been used to constrain calculations and probe nuclear structure effects. In addition to the MR-TOF-MS, use of the TITAN Penning trap has allowed higher precision in mass measurements to be achieved. A new cryogenic cooling system has been installed at the TITAN Penning trap, to achieve ultra-high vacuum conditions ($\sim$10$^{-11}$ mbar), and facilitate trapping of ions over longer periods of time ($\geq$1 s), as well as measurements of highly charged ions formed in the TITAN Electron Beam Ion Trap. The cryogenic trap was commissioned with a measurement campaign to probe $\beta$ decay in $^{48}$Ca and refine $\beta\beta$ decay calculations. A final upgrade to the trap is currently being implemented, changing from a time-of-flight to a phase-based determination of the cyclotron frequency and therefore the mass. This is expected to push the limit of achievable mass precision to below 10$^{-10}$ level, making it possible to conduct measurements probing fundamental symmetries, tests of the Standard Model and beyond. Results from mass measurements of neutron-rich nuclides using the MR-TOF-MS, and the cryogenic Penning trap commissioning will be presented, along with a summary of the implemented and ongoing upgrades.
| Keyword-1 | Precision mass spectrometry |
|---|---|
| Keyword-2 | Nuclear structure |