The direct neutrino mass is a fundamental physics quantity with far-reaching implications for the physics community. Current experimental limits put the direct neutrino mass at less than 2 eV. The neutrino mass can be explored through an end-point measurement of tritium beta decay, which is currently underway in the KArlsruhe TRItium Neutrino experiment (KATRIN). KATRIN has a lower limit of 0.2 eV, at which point there will be either a mass measurement or another upper bound. In either case, an alternative experiment with different systematics is needed to verify the results and/or push the upper bound lower. The end point of a calorimetric electron capture spectrum is sensitive to the neutrino mass, and low temperature microcalorimeters have reached the technological maturity necessary to make such a measurement. An open question is whether the theoretical spectral shape used to interpret such a measurement is well enough understood for a sensitive mass determination. This dissertation seeks to explore the feasibility of a neutrino mass measurement using low temperature microcalorimeters by determining the sensitivity of theoretical calculations and comparing predictions of experimental observables from these calculations to experimental spectra of 163Ho, 193Pt, and 55Fe to avoid material-specific biases. In this dissertation, the theoretical shape of a calorimetric electron capture spectrum is re-categorized as a set of decisions. The effects of decisions in these categories are quantitatively explored, with a focus on experimental observables and predictions of spectral reach needed to differentiate between different calculations. While calorimetric data from 163Ho and 55Fe exists in the literature, new 193Pt data was taken for the purposes of comparison to calculations. The unique 193Pt-in-Pt absorber matrix is characterized with gamma spectroscopy and modeling for the irradiation creation process. Acquisition and analysis of the calorimetric electron capture data from this absorber is discussed. Calculations are compared to 163Ho, 193Pt, and 55Fe spectra.

Lists citations with abstracts for aerospace related reports obtained from world wide sources and announces documents that have recently been entered into the NASA Scientific and Technical Information Database.

The few-body problem (FBP), the essence of which is the Schrödinger equation is not solvable for more than two interacting particles. Atomic collisions are ideally suited to study the FBP because the underlying force is essentially understood and because simple systems can be studied for which kinematically complete experiments are feasible. The book would cover various experimental and theoretical approaches in atomic collision research.

Handbook of Radioactivity Analysis describes the preparation of samples from a wide variety of matrices, assists the investigator or technician in the selection and use of appropriate radiation detector, and presents the latest state-of-the-art computerized and automated methods of analysis. The new Handbook of Radioactivity Analysis is suitable as a teaching text for university and professional training courses. Of interest to those working in a wide spectrum of disciplines, including: scientists, engineers, physicians, and technicians involved with the preparation, utilization, or disposal of radioactive materials and the measurement of radioactivity in the environment. - New, expanded and updated edition with three additional chapters - Provides modern procedures and guidelines for the analysis of natural and man-made environmental radionuclides - Includes up-to-date detailed sample preparation techniques for soil, air, plant, water, biological tissue, filter material, gels, surface swipes, etc. - Provides practical information for radioactivity monitoring, spectrometric analysis, and radiation dosimetry - Covers state-of-the-art high sample throughput microplate analysis techniques and multi-detector scintillation proximity analysis - Presents the latest methods of rapid electronic radionuclide imaging - Written by twenty-five experts from eight countries. Over 2,000 literature references

When Kai Zuber’s pioneering text on neutrinos was published in 2003, the author correctly predicted that the field would see tremendous growth in the immediate future. In that book, Professor Zuber provided a comprehensive self-contained examination of neutrinos, covering their research history and theory, as well as their application to particle physics, astrophysics, nuclear physics, and the broad reach of cosmology; but now to be truly comprehensive and accurate, the field’s seminal reference needs to be revised and expanded to include the latest research, conclusions, and implications. Revised as needed to be equal to the research of today, Neutrino Physics, Third Edition delves into neutrino cross-sections, mass measurements, double beta decay, solar neutrinos, neutrinos from supernovae, and high-energy neutrinos, as well as entirely new experimental results in the context of theoretical models. Written to be accessible to graduate students and readers from diverse backgrounds, this edition, like the first, provides both an introduction to the field as well as the information needed by those looking to make their own contributions to it. And like the second edition, it whets the researcher’s appetite, going beyond certainty to pose those questions that still need answers. Features Presents the only single-author comprehensive text on neutrino physics Includes experimental and theoretical particle physics and examines solar neutrinos and astroparticle implications Offers details on new developments and recent experiments