Nuclear data activities for medium mass and heavy nuclei at Los Alamos

Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA

^* Corresponding author: mumpower@lanl.gov

Published online: 26 May 2023

Abstract

Nuclear data is critical for many modern applications from stockpile stewardship to cutting edge scientific research. Central to these pursuits is a robust pipeline for nuclear modeling as well as data assimilation and dissemination. We summarize a small portion of the ongoing nuclear data efforts at Los Alamos for medium mass to heavy nuclei. We begin with an overview of the NEXUS framework and show how one of its modules can be used for model parameter optimization using Bayesian techniques. The mathematical framework affords the combination of different measured data in determining model parameters and their associated correlations. It also has the advantage of being able to quantify outliers in data. We exemplify the power of this procedure by highlighting the recently evaluated ²³⁹Pu cross section. We further showcase the success of our tools and pipeline by covering the insight gained from incorporating the latest nuclear modeling and data in astrophysical simulations as part of the Fission In R-process Elements (FIRE) collaboration. We advocate for the adoption of tranmission protocols such as the Unified Reaction Structures for Astrophysics (URSA) for the rapid inclusion of nuclear data into astrophysical simulations.