In-beam spectroscopic study of Cf244

The ground-state rotational band of the neutron-deficient californium (Z = 98) isotope 244Cf was identified for the first time and measured up to a tentative spin and parity of I I-pi = 20(+). The observation of the rotational band indicates that the nucleus is deformed. The kinematic and dynamic moments of inertia were deduced from the measured gamma-ray transition energies. The behavior of the dynamic moment of inertia revealed an up-bend due to a possible alignment of coupled nucleons in high-j orbitals starting at a rotational frequency of about (h) over bar (omega) = 0.20 MeV. The results were compared with the systematic behavior of the even-even N = 146 isotones as well as with avail…

Towards saturation of the electron-capture delayed fission probability : The new isotopes 240Es and 236Bk

The new neutron-deficient nuclei 240Es and 236Bk were synthesised at the gas-filled recoil separator RITU. They were identified by their radioactive decay chains starting from 240Es produced in the fusion–evaporation reaction 209Bi(34S,3n)240Es. Half-lives of 6(2) sand 22+13−6swere obtained for 240Es and 236Bk, respectively. Two groups of αparticles with energies Eα=8.19(3) MeVand 8.09(3) MeVwere unambiguously assigned to 240Es. Electron-capture delayed fission branches with probabilities of 0.16(6)and 0.04(2)were measured for 240Es and 236Bk, respectively. These new data show a continuation of the exponential increase of ECDF probabilities in more neutron-deficient isotopes. peerReviewed

Stability of the heaviest elements: K isomer in No250

Decay spectroscopy of No250 has been performed using digital electronics and pulse-shape analysis of the fast nuclear decays for the first time. Previous studies of No250 reported two distinct fission decay lifetimes, related to the direct fission of the ground state and to the decay of an isomeric state but without the possibility to determine if the isomeric state decayed directly via fission or via internal electromagnetic transitions to the ground state. The data obtained in the current experiment allowed the puzzle to finally be resolved, attributing the shorter half-life of t1/2=3.8±0.3μs to the ground state and the longer half-life t1/2=34.9−3.2+3.9μs to the decay of an isomeric stat…

Measurement of Evaporation Residue and Fission Cross Sections of the Reaction 30Si + 238U at Subbarrier Energies

Effects of the prolate deformation of 238 U on fusion were studied in the reaction 30 Si + 238 U at bombarding energies close to the Coulomb barrier. The fission (capture) cross sections were measured at the JAEA tandem accelerator to see the enhancement of the cross sections in the subbarrier energy due to the lower Coulomb barrier in the collisions of projectile at the polar sides of 238 U. In order to obtain the direct evidence for complete fusion, evaporation residue cross sections were measured at UNILAC of GSI. At the subbarrier energy of Ec.m. = 133.0 MeV, where only polar collisions to 238 U occur, we measured three spontaneously fissioning nuclei which we assigned to the isotope 26…

First observation of high-K isomeric states in $$^{249}$$Md and $$^{251}$$Md

Decay spectroscopy of the odd-proton nuclei $^{249}$Md and $^{251}$Md has been performed. High-K isomeric states were identified for the first time in these two nuclei through the measurement of their electromagnetic decay. An isomeric state with a half-life of 2.8(5) ms and an excitation energy $\ge 910$ keV was found in $^{249}$Md. In $^{251}$Md, an isomeric state with a half-life of 1.4(3) s and an excitation energy $\ge 844$ keV was found. Similarly to the neighbouring $^{255}$Lr, these two isomeric states are interpreted as 3 quasi-particle high-K states and compared to new theoretical calculations. Excited nuclear configurations were calculated within two scenarios: via blocking nucle…

In-beam spectroscopy with intense ion beams: Evidence for a rotational structure in246Fm

The rotational structure of ${}^{246}$Fm has been investigated using in-beam $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray spectroscopic techniques. The experiment was performed using the JUROGAMII germanium detector array coupled to the gas-filled recoil ion transport unit (RITU) and the gamma recoil electron alpha tagging (GREAT) focal plane detection system. Nuclei of ${}^{246}$Fm were produced using a 186 MeV beam of ${}^{40}$Ar impinging on a ${}^{208}$Pb target. The JUROGAMII array was fully instrumented with Tracking Numerical Treatment 2 Dubna (TNT2D) digital acquisition cards. The use of digital electronics and a rotating target allowed for unprecedented beam intensities of up to 71 particle-nanoamper…

Study of Superheavy Elements at the GSI-SHIP

Stability of the heaviest elements : K isomer in 250No

Decay spectroscopy of 250No has been performed using digital electronics and pulse-shape analysis of the fast nuclear decays for the first time. Previous studies of 250No reported two distinct fission decay lifetimes, related to the direct fission of the ground state and to the decay of an isomeric state but without the possibility to determine if the isomeric state decayed directly via fission or via internal electromagnetic transitions to the ground state. The data obtained in the current experiment allowed the puzzle to finally be resolved, attributing the shorter half-life of t1/2 = 3.8 ± 0.3 μs to the ground state and the longer half-life t1/2 = 34.9+3.9 −3.2 μs to the decay of an isom…

In-beam gamma-ray and electron spectroscopy of $^{249,251}$Md

The odd-Z Md251 nucleus was studied using combined γ-ray and conversion-electron in-beam spectroscopy. Besides the previously observed rotational band based on the [521]1/2− configuration, another rotational structure has been identified using γ-γ coincidences. The use of electron spectroscopy allowed the rotational bands to be observed over a larger rotational frequency range. Using the transition intensities that depend on the gyromagnetic factor, a [514]7/2− single-particle configuration has been inferred for this band, i.e., the ground-state band. A physical background that dominates the electron spectrum with an intensity of ≃60% was well reproduced by simulating a set of unresolved ex…

β-delayed fission of192,194At

By using the recoil-fission correlation technique, the exotic process of beta-delayed fission ($\ensuremath{\beta}$DF) was unambiguously identified in the very neutron-deficient nuclei ${}^{192,194}$At in experiments at the velocity filter SHIP at Gesellschaft f\"ur Schwerionenforschung (GSI). The upper limits for the total kinetic energy release in fission of ${}^{192,194}$Po, being the daughter products of ${}^{192,194}$At after ${\ensuremath{\beta}}^{+}/EC$ decay, were estimated. The possibility of an unusually high $\ensuremath{\beta}$DF probability for ${}^{192}$At is discussed.

VADER: A novel decay station for actinide spectroscopy

Nuclear instruments & methods in physics research / B 540, 148 - 150 (2023). doi:10.1016/j.nimb.2023.04.021

First prompt in-beam gamma-ray spectroscopy of a superheavy element: the 256Rf

Using state-of-the-art γ-ray spectroscopic techniques, the first rotational band of a superheavy element, extending up to a spin of 20 ¯h, was discovered in the nucleus 256Rf. To perform such an experiment at the limits of the present instrumentation, several developments were needed. The most important of these developments was of an intense isotopically enriched 50Ti beam using the MIVOC method. The experimental set-up and subsequent analysis allowed the 256Rf ground-state band to be revealed. The rotational properties of the band are discussed and compared with neighboring transfermium nuclei through the study of their moments of inertia. These data suggest that there is no evidence of a…

Decay studies of new isomeric states in 255No

The decay of excited states in 255No was investigated by applying the evaporation-residue–conversion-electron correlation technique. Two new isomeric states were observed in 255No together with the previously known one. Excitation energies of the isomeric states were estimated based on the energies of conversion electrons and γ rays from correlation chains. These results were in accord with theoretical calculations based on the mean-field models. A tentative decay scheme of isomeric states in 255No is proposed, and their Nilsson configurations are discussed. The energy decrease of the 11/2−[725] Nilsson level for heavy N=153 isotones as a function of increasing proton number is confirmed. p…

Spontaneous fission of rutherfordium isotopes - total kinetic energies

The isotopes 255,256,258Rf were produced in the fusion-evaporation reactions 50Ti + 207,208Pb and 50Ti + 209Bi at GSI Darmstadt, using the velocity filter SHIP. Total kinetic energies of fragments from spontaneous fission for these isotopes were evaluated with a correction to pulse-height defect.

STUDIES OF SUPERHEAVY ELEMENTS AT SHIP

An overview of present experimental investigation of superheavy elements is given. The data are compared with theoretical descriptions. Results are reported from an experiment to confirm production of element 112 isotopes in irradiation of 238 UF 4 with 48 Ca . One spontaneous fission event was measured, which agrees with three events of previously measured data which had been assigned to the decay of 283112. However, more experimental work is needed in order to obtain an independent and unambiguous confirmation of previous results.

Decay study of 246Fm at SHIP

The decay chain of 246Fm has been investigated employing the SHIP separator at GSI Darmstadt. The 246Fm nuclei were produced via the 40Ar(208Pb, 2n)246Fm fusion-evaporation reaction. Improved values of the half-life, T 1/2 = 1.54(4) s, and of the spontaneous fission branching ratio, b SF = 0.068(6) , of 246Fm were obtained. The $ \beta^{+}_{}$ /electron capture branching ratio, b EC = 0.39(3) , of 242Cf was deduced. Possible structures of high-K states in 246Fm are discussed within the framework of a model calculation based on the Woods-Saxon potential.

Shell-Structure and Pairing Interaction in Superheavy Nuclei: Rotational Properties of the Z=104 Nucleus (256)Rf

The rotational band structure of the Z ¼ 104 nucleus 256Rf has been observed up to a tentative spin of 20@ using state-of-the-art -ray spectroscopic techniques. This represents the first such measurement in a superheavy nucleus whose stability is entirely derived from the shell-correction energy. The observed rotational properties are compared to those of neighboring nuclei and it is shown that the kinematic and dynamic moments of inertia are sensitive to the underlying single-particle shell structure and the specific location of high-j orbitals. The moments of inertia therefore provide a sensitive test of shell structure and pairing in superheavy nuclei which is essential to ensure the val…

Towards saturation of the electron-capture delayed fission probability: The new isotopes $^{240}Es$ and $^{236}Bk$

Abstract The new neutron-deficient nuclei 240 Es and 236 Bk were synthesised at the gas-filled recoil separator RITU. They were identified by their radioactive decay chains starting from 240 Es produced in the fusion–evaporation reaction 209 Bi( 34 S,3n) 240 Es. Half-lives of 6 ( 2 ) s and 22 − 6 + 13 s were obtained for 240 Es and 236 Bk, respectively. Two groups of α particles with energies E α = 8.19 ( 3 ) MeV and 8.09 ( 3 ) MeV were unambiguously assigned to 240 Es. Electron-capture delayed fission branches with probabilities of 0.16 ( 6 ) and 0.04 ( 2 ) were measured for 240 Es and 236 Bk, respectively. These new data show a continuation of the exponential increase of ECDF probabilitie…

γ-Ray Spectroscopy at the Limits: First Observation of Rotational Bands inLr255

The rotational band structure of Lr-255 has been investigated using advanced in-beam gamma-ray spectroscopic techniques. To date, Lr-255 is the heaviest nucleus to be studied in this manner. One ro ...

Studies of SHE at SHIP

An overview of present experimental investigation of superheavy elements is given. The data are compared with theoretical descriptions. Results are reported from an experiment to confirm production of element 112 isotopes in irradiation of 238UF4 with 48Ca. One spontaneous fission event was measured, which agrees with three events of previously measured data which had been assigned to the decay of 283112. However, more experimental work is needed in order to obtain an independent and unambiguous confirmation of previous results.

α-decay spectroscopy of the new isotopeAt192

Decay properties of the new neutron-deficient nuclide $^{192}\mathrm{At}$ have been studied in the complete fusion reaction $^{144}\mathrm{Sm}$($^{51}\mathrm{V}$,3n)$^{192}\mathrm{At}$ at the velocity filter SHIP. Two isomeric states with half-lives of 88(6) ms and 11.5(6) ms, respectively, and with complex $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-decay schemes were identified in $^{192}\mathrm{At}$. The decay pattern of one of the isomers suggests that it is based on the oblate-deformed $\ensuremath{\pi}2{f}_{7/2}\ensuremath{\bigotimes}\ensuremath{\nu}1{i}_{13/2}$ configuration, which confirms the expected onset of deformation in the At isotopes by approaching the neutron midshell at $N=104$.

Cross section systematics for the lightest Bi and Po nuclei produced in complete fusion reactions with heavy ions

The production of the very neutron-deficient nuclides $^{184\ensuremath{-}192}\mathrm{Bi}$ and $^{186\ensuremath{-}192}\mathrm{Po}$ in the vicinity of the neutron midshell at N = 104 has been studied by using heavy-ion-induced complete fusion reactions in a series of experiments at the velocity filter SHIP. The cross sections for the xn and pxn evaporation channels of the $^{46}\mathrm{Ti}$+$^{144}\mathrm{Sm}$$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}^{190}\mathrm{Po}{}^{*},$$^{98}\mathrm{Mo}$+$^{92}\mathrm{Mo}$$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}^{190}\mathrm{Po}{}^{*},$$^{50,52}\mathrm{Cr}$+$^{142}\mathrm{Nd}$$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}^{192,194}\mathrm{Po}{}^{*}$, and $^{94,95}\mathrm{Mo}$+$^{93}\mathrm{Nb}$$\ensurem…

Production cross section and decay study of $^{243}$Es and $^{249}$Md

In the study of the odd-$Z$, even-$N$ nuclei $^{243}$Es and $^{249}$Md, performed at the University of Jyv\"askyl\"a, the fusion-evaporation reactions $^{197}$Au($^{48}$Ca,2$n$)$^{243}$Es and $^{203}$Tl($^{48}$Ca,2$n$)$^{249}$Md have been used for the first time. Fusion-evaporation residues were selected and detected using the RITU gas-filled separator coupled with the focal-plane spectrometer GREAT. For $^{243}$Es, the recoil decay correlation analysis yielded a half-life of $24 \pm 3$s, and a maximum production cross section of $37 \pm 10$ nb. In the same way, a half-life of $26 \pm 1$ s, an $\alpha$ branching ratio of 75 $\pm$ 5%, and a maximum production cross section of 300 $\pm$ 80 nb…

First prompt in-beam γ-ray spectroscopy of a superheavy element: the256Rf

Using state-of-the-art γ-ray spectroscopic techniques, the first rotational band of a superheavy element, extending up to a spin of 20 , was discovered in the nucleus 256Rf. To perform such an experiment at the limits of the present instrumentation, several developments were needed. The most important of these developments was of an intense isotopically enriched 50Ti beam using the MIVOC method. The experimental set-up and subsequent analysis allowed the 256Rf ground-state band to be revealed. The rotational properties of the band are discussed and compared with neighboring transfermium nuclei through the study of their moments of inertia. These data suggest that there is no evidence of a s…

α-decay of the new isotopePo187: Probing prolate structures beyond the neutron mid-shell at N = 104

The new neutron-deficient isotope $^{187}\mathrm{Po}$ has been identified in the complete fusion reaction $^{46}\mathrm{Ti}$+$^{144}\mathrm{Sm}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}$^{187}\mathrm{Po}$+$3n$ at the velocity filter SHIP. Striking features of the $^{187}\mathrm{Po}$ \ensuremath{\alpha} decay are the strongly-hindered decay to the spherical ground state and unhindered decay to a surprisingly low-lying deformed excited state at 286 keV in the daughter nucleus $^{183}\mathrm{Pb}$. Based on the potential energy surface calculations, the $^{187}\mathrm{Po}$ ground state and the 286 keV excited state in $^{183}\mathrm{Pb}$ were interpreted as being of prolate origin. The systematic deviation of t…

New gas-filled mode of the large-acceptance spectrometer VAMOS

A new gas-filled operation mode of the large-acceptance spectrometer VAMOS at GANIL is reported. A beam rejection factor greater than 10(10) is obtained for the Ca-40+Sm-150 system at 196 MeV. The unprecedented transmission efficiency for the evaporation residues produced in this reaction is estimated to be around 80% for alpha x n channels and above 95% for x ny p channels. A detailed study of the performance of the gas-filled VAMOS and future developments are discussed. This new operation mode opens avenues to explore the potential of fusion reactions in various kinematics. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Production cross section and decay study of Es243 and Md249

In the study of the odd-$Z$, even-$N$ nuclei $^{243}$Es and $^{249}$Md, performed at the University of Jyv\"askyl\"a, the fusion-evaporation reactions $^{197}$Au($^{48}$Ca,2$n$)$^{243}$Es and $^{203}$Tl($^{48}$Ca,2$n$)$^{249}$Md have been used for the first time. Fusion-evaporation residues were selected and detected using the RITU gas-filled separator coupled with the focal-plane spectrometer GREAT. For $^{243}$Es, the recoil decay correlation analysis yielded a half-life of $24 \pm 3$s, and a maximum production cross section of $37 \pm 10$ nb. In the same way, a half-life of $26 \pm 1$ s, an $\alpha$ branching ratio of 75 $\pm$ 5%, and a maximum production cross section of 300 $\pm$ 80 nb…

Parity nonconservation in the γ decay of polarized17/2−isomers inTc93

The determination of the ${0}^{\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}}\ensuremath{-}{180}^{\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}}$ asymmetry (${A}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}$), which arises because of the parity nonconserving matrix element, in the 751-keV \ensuremath{\gamma} decay of polarized $17/{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ isomers in $^{93}\mathrm{Tc}$ with respect to the direction of polarization is reported. A combined analysis of the present results together with those from our earlier work yields an effect of two standard deviations.

In-beam γ-ray and electron spectroscopy of Md249,251

The odd-Z 251Md nucleus was studied using combined γ-ray and conversion-electron in-beam spectroscopy. Besides the previously observed rotational band based on the [521]1/2− configuration, another rotational structure has been identified using γ−γ coincidences. The use of electron spectroscopy allowed the rotational bands to be observed over a larger rotational frequency range. Using the transition intensities that depend on the gyromagnetic factor, a [514]7/2− single-particle configuration has been inferred for this band, i.e., the ground-state band. A physical background that dominates the electron spectrum with an intensity of ≃60% was well reproduced by simulating a set of unresolved ex…

In-beam spectroscopic study of $^{244}$Cf

The ground-state rotational band of the neutron-deficient californium ( Z = 98 ) isotope 244 Cf was identified for the first time and measured up to a tentative spin and parity of I π = 20 + . The observation of the rotational band indicates that the nucleus is deformed. The kinematic and dynamic moments of inertia were deduced from the measured γ -ray transition energies. The behavior of the dynamic moment of inertia revealed an up-bend due to a possible alignment of coupled nucleons in high- j orbitals starting at a rotational frequency of about ℏ ω = 0.20 MeV . The results were compared with the systematic behavior of the even-even N = 146 isotones as well as with available theoretical c…

Shell-Structure and Pairing Interaction in Superheavy Nuclei: Rotational Properties of theZ=104NucleusRf256

The rotational band structure of the $Z=104$ nucleus $^{256}\mathrm{Rf}$ has been observed up to a tentative spin of $20\ensuremath{\hbar}$ using state-of-the-art $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray spectroscopic techniques. This represents the first such measurement in a superheavy nucleus whose stability is entirely derived from the shell-correction energy. The observed rotational properties are compared to those of neighboring nuclei and it is shown that the kinematic and dynamic moments of inertia are sensitive to the underlying single-particle shell structure and the specific location of high-$j$ orbitals. The moments of inertia therefore provide a sensitive test of shell structure and pairing i…

Investigation of 246Fm : in-beam spectroscopy at the limits\u2028