Evidence of oblate-prolate shape coexistence in the strongly-deformed nucleus 119Cs

International audience; Prolate-oblate shape coexistence close to the ground state in the strongly-deformed proton-rich A≈120 nuclei is reported for the first time. One of the four reported bands in 119Cs, built on a 11/2− state at 670 keV, consists of nearly degenerate signature partners, and has properties which unequivocally indicate the strongly-coupled πh11/2[505]11/2− configuration associated with oblate shape. Together with the decoupled πh11/2[541]3/2− band built on the 11/2− prolate state at 110 keV, for which a half-life of T1/2=55(5)μs has been measured, the new bands bring evidence of shape coexistence at low spin in the proton-rich strongly deformed A≈120 nuclei, a phenomenon p…

Probing the shape of176Hgalong the yrast line

In-beam \ensuremath{\gamma}-ray and \ensuremath{\gamma}-\ensuremath{\gamma} coincidence measurements have been made for the very neutron-deficient nucleus ${}^{176}\mathrm{Hg}$ using the recoil-decay tagging (RDT) technique. The irregular yrast sequence observed up to $I=10\ensuremath{\Elzxh}$ indicates that the prolate intruder band, seen in heavier Hg isotopes near the neutron midshell, crosses the nearly spherical ground-state band of ${}^{176}\mathrm{Hg}$ above $I=6\ensuremath{\Elzxh}.$

Investigation of the Δn = 0 selection rule in Gamow-Teller transitions : The β-decay of 207Hg

Gamow-Teller β decay is forbidden if the number of nodes in the radial wave functions of the initial and final states is different. This Δn = 0 requirement plays a major role in the β decay of heavy neutron-rich nuclei, affecting the nucleosynthesis through the increased half-lives of nuclei on the astrophysical r-process pathway below both Z = 50 (for N > 82) and Z = 82 (for N >126). The level of forbiddenness of the Δn = 1ν1g9/2 → π0g7/2 transition has been investigated from the β− decay of the ground state of 207Hg into the single-proton-hole nucleus 207Tl in an experiment at the ISOLDE Decay Station. From statistical observational limits on possible γ-ray transitions depopulating the π0…

Shape isomerism and spectroscopy ofHg177

High spin states in the $^{177}\mathrm{Hg}$ nucleus were populated by the $^{144}\mathrm{Sm}(^{36}\mathrm{Ar},3\mathrm{n})^{177}\mathrm{Hg}$ reaction at a beam energy of $178\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\text{MeV}$. The emitted prompt $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays were detected with the Jurosphere $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray spectrometer, while the recoiling nuclei were identified using an active stopper at the focal plane of the gas-filled separator RITU. A quasi-rotational band that decays to an isomeric state with a half-life ${t}_{1∕2}=1.50\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.15\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{s}$ and its subsequent $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ decay to the ground state of…

First observation of excited states in the neutron deficientN=86isotones159Taand160W

New collective structures in Au179 and their implications for the triaxial deformation of the Pt178 core

First Accurate Normalization of the $\beta$-delayed $\alpha$ Decay of $^{16}$N and Implications for the $^{12}$C$(\alpha,\gamma)^{16}$O Astrophysical Reaction Rate

The $^{12}\text{C}(\alpha,\gamma){}^{16}\text{O}$ reaction plays a central role in astrophysics, but its cross section at energies relevant for astrophysical applications is only poorly constrained by laboratory data. The reduced $\alpha$ width, $\gamma_{11}$, of the bound $1^-$ level in $^{16}$O is particularly important to determine the cross section. The magnitude of $\gamma_{11}$ is determined via sub-Coulomb $\alpha$-transfer reactions or the $\beta$-delayed $\alpha$ decay of $^{16}$N, but the latter approach is presently hampered by the lack of sufficiently precise data on the $\beta$-decay branching ratios. Here we report improved branching ratios for the bound $1^-$ level [$b_{\beta…

Shape coexistence in the neutron-deficient even-even Hg182-188 isotopes studied via Coulomb excitation

Coulomb-excitation experiments to study electromagnetic properties of radioactive even-even Hg isotopes were performed with 2.85  MeV/nucleon mercury beams from REX-ISOLDE. Magnitudes and relative signs of the reduced E2 matrix elements that couple the ground state and low-lying excited states in Hg182-188 were extracted. Information on the deformation of the ground and the first excited 0+ states was deduced using the quadrupole sum rules approach. Results show that the ground state is slightly deformed and of oblate nature, while a larger deformation for the excited 0+ state was noted in Hg182,184. The results are compared to beyond mean field and interacting-boson based models and interp…

Evolution of collectivity inHg180andHg182

Lifetimes of yrast states in $^{180}\mathrm{Hg}$ up to the ${8}^{+}$ state and of the ${9}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ state have been extracted from recoil-decay tagged $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray spectra by using the recoil distance Doppler-shift method. In addition, lifetimes of yrast states up to the ${10}^{+}$ state in $^{182}\mathrm{Hg}$ have been extracted from recoil-gated $\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\gamma}$-coincidence spectra. The present study addresses the evolution of collectivity of two competing shapes in neutron-deficient Hg nuclei as a function of $A$ and the configuration mixing at low spin.

Rich band structure and multiple long-lived isomers in the odd-odd 118Cs nucleus

One of the largest sets of collective excitations built on two-quasiparticle configurations in odd-odd nuclei of the proton-rich A≈120 mass region is reported in 118Cs. Several new rotational bands and long-lived isomers have been identified. The 8+ bandhead of the πh11/2⊗νh11/2 band is a short-lived isomer with a half-life in the nanosecond range, while the 7+ state below it is a long-lived isomer with a half-life of T1/2=0.55(6)μs. Two other long-lived isomers have been identified: a 66-keV transition detected at the MARA focal plane depopulates one of them, indicating a half-life in the microsecond range, while no depopulating transitions have been identified for the other, indicating a …

Evidence for prolate structure in light Pb isotopes from in-beamγ-ray spectroscopy ofPb185

For the first time, excited states in {sup 185}Pb have been observed in in-beam {gamma}-ray spectroscopic measurements using the recoil-decay tagging method. The resulting level scheme reveals a strongly coupled yrast band structure that originates from coupling of the i{sub 13/2} quasineutron to a prolate deformed core. The band is also observed to de-excite via the spherical {alpha}-decaying 13/2{sup +}isomeric state.

In-beam spectroscopy of $^{253,254}$No

In-beam conversion electron spectroscopy experiments have been performed on the transfermium nuclei 253,254No using the conversion electron spectrometer SACRED in nearly collinear geometry in conjunction with the gas-filled separator RITU at the University of Jyvaskyla. The experimental setup is discussed and the spectra are compared to Monte Carlo simulations. The implications for the ground-state configuration of 253No are discussed.

Collective rotational – vibrational transition in the very neutron-deficient nuclei Pt

Excited states have been identified for the first time in very neutron deficient Pt-171.172 nuclei using the recoil-or-decay tagging technique. The ground-state band in Pt-172 has been established up to I-pi = 8+. A similar level sequence, presumably built on the I-pi = 13/2(+) state, is observed for Pt-171. The data are compared with theoretical calculations based on the mean field approach and the random phase approximation and are put into the context of the systematics of platinum isotopes. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

New ß-decaying state in 214Bi

First observation of excited states in 184Pb: spectroscopy beyond the neutron mid-shell

Excited states have been identified for the first time in 184Pb, the first even-even Pb isotope beyond the 82 < N < 126 mid-shell, using the recoil-decay tagging (RDT) technique. A collective band built on the first-excited 2+ state has been observed. This resembles those seen in 186,188Pb and the Hg isotones, and can thus be associated with a prolate-deformed shape. Variable moment of inertia (VMI) fits of the prolate 0+ level energies in 184,186,188Pb indicate that the minimum appears at N= 103, the same neutron number at which the corresponding minimum in Hg isotopes is observed.

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.

Excited states and reduced transition probabilities in Os168

The level scheme of the neutron-deficient nuclide 168Os has been extended and mean lifetimes of excited states have been measured by the recoil distance Doppler-shift method using the JUROGAM \gamma-ray spectrometer in conjunction with the IKP K\"oln plunger device. The 168Os \gamma rays were measured in delayed coincidence with recoiling fusion-evaporation residues detected at the focal plane of the RITU gas-filled separator. The ratio of reduced transition probabilities B(E2;4_1^+ \rightarrow 2_1^+)/B(E2;2_1^+ \rightarrow 0_1^+) is measured to be 0.34(18), which is very unusual for collective band structures and cannot be reproduced by IBM-2 model calculations based on the SkM* energy-den…

Decays of new nuclides and isomers beyond the proton drip line - The influence of neutron configurations

Bozok University;Erciyes University;et al.;Istanbul University;Nigde University;The Turkish Atomic Energy Authority (TAEK)

Gamma-ray spectroscopy of 192–195Po

Prompt and delayed γ-rays have been observed from very neutron deficient 192–195Po nuclei by using the recoil-decay tagging (RDT) and recoil gating techniques. The yrast levels up to the (10+) state in the 192Po were identified for the first time. Comprehensive data for 194Po rendered it possible to extend the yrast line and to observe several positive and negative parity non-yrast states. In the odd-mass isotopes 193Po and 195Po, favoured and unfavoured states on top of the 13/2+ state have been identified. The results are discussed within the simple vibrator and rotor pictures as well as in the framework of coexisting spherical and deformed-intruder structures.

Fine structure in -decay and shape coexistence in

Excited states in populated in the -decay of have been identified through -particle-conversion electron coincidences. The level scheme has been interpreted using a configuration mixing calculation, providing estimates of the mixing matrix elements, mixing amplitudes and the energies of unperturbed and unobserved levels.

Combined in-beam gamma-ray and conversion electron spectroscopy with radioactive ion beams. Simulations of a silicon detector for the SPEDE spectrometer

In-beam gamma-ray and electron spectroscopy have been widely used as tools to study the broad variety of phenomena in nuclear structure. The SPEDE spectrometer is a new device to be used in conjunction with the MINIBALL germanium detector array to enable the detection of internal conversion electrons in coincidence with gamma rays from de-exciting nuclei in radioactive ion beam experiments at the upcoming HIE-ISOLDE facility at CERN, Switzerland. Geant4 simulations were carried out in order to optimise the design and segmentation of the silicon detector to achieve good energy resolution and performance. ispartof: pages:1-4 ispartof: EPJ Web ofConferences vol:63 pages:1-4 ispartof: Heavy Ion…

Reduced transition probabilities along the yrast line in 166W

Lifetimes of excited states in the yrast band of the neutron-deficient nuclide 166W have been measured utilizing the DPUNS plunger device at the target position of the JUROGAM II γ -ray spectrometer in conjunction with the RITU gas-filled separator and the GREAT focal-plane spectrometer. Excited states in 166W were populated in the 92Mo(78Kr,4p) reaction at a bombarding energy of 380 MeV. The measurements reveal a low value for the ratio of reduced transitions probabilities for the lowest-lying transitions B(E2; 4+ → 2+)/B(E2; 2+ → 0+) = 0.33(5), compared with the expected ratio for an axially deformed rotor (B4/2 = 1.43). peerReviewed

Decay studies of the long-lived states in $^{186}$Tl

Decay spectroscopy of the long-lived states in $^{186}$Tl has been performed at the ISOLDE Decay Station at ISOLDE, CERN. The $\alpha$ decay from the low-spin $(2^-)$ state in $^{186}$Tl was observed for the first time and a half-life of $3.4^{+0.5}_{-0.4}$ s was determined. Based on the $\alpha$-decay energy, the relative positions of the long-lived states were fixed, with the $(2^-)$ state as the ground state, the $7^{(+)}$ state at 77(56)~keV and the $10^{(-)}$ state at 451(56) keV. The level scheme of the internal decay of the $^{186}$Tl($10^{(-)}$) state ($T_{1/2} = 3.40(9)$ s), which was known to decay solely through emission of 374 keV $\gamma$-ray transition, was extended and a lowe…

Fine structure in the α decay of 156Lu and 158Ta

Fine structure in the α decay of high-spin states in 156Lu and 158Ta has been identified by means of αγ - coincidence analysis. One new α decay from 156Lu and two from 158Ta were identified, one of which was found to populate a previously unknown state in 154Lu. The hindrance-factor systematics from all four odd-odd, N = 85 nuclei with known α-decaying, πh11/2 coupled states were reviewed and are discussed. These proved consistent with the previously assigned (πh11/2νh9/2 )10+ configuration of the α-decaying state in 156Lu, which differs from the (πh11/2ν f7/2 )9+ assignments in the other three nuclei. peerReviewed

Fine structure in a alpha decay of 188, 192Po

The α decay of 188,192Po has been reexamined in order to probe the 0+ states in the daughter nuclei 184,188Pb that can be associated with coexisting spherical, oblate, and∕or prolate configurations. Improved values were measured for the excitation energy and the feeding α-decay intensity of the 0+2state in 184,188Pb and conflicting results on the 0+3 state in 188Pb were clarified. All known cases of fine structure in the α decay of the even-even Po nuclei are reviewed. The reduced α-decay width systematics combined with potential-energy-surface calculations confirm the onset of deformation in the ground state of the polonium nuclei around the neutron midshell. An isomeric state with a half-…

De-excitation of the strongly coupled band in 177Au and implications for core intruder configurations in the light Hg isotopes

International audience; Excited states in the proton-unbound nuclide $^{177}$Au were populated in the $^92}$Mo($^{88}$Sr, p2n) reaction and identified using the Jurogam-II and GREAT spectrometers in conjunction with the RITU gas-filled separator at the University of Jyväskylä Accelerator Laboratory. A strongly coupled band and its decay path to the 11/2−α-decaying isomer have been identified using recoil-decay tagging. Comparisons with cranked Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov (HFB) calculations based on Skyrme energy functionals suggest that the band has a prolate deformation and is based upon coupling the odd 1h11/2 proton hole to the excited 02+ configuration in the $^{178}$Hg core. Although these…

Investigation of the Δn = 0 selection rule in Gamow-Teller transitions: The β-decay of 207Hg

5 pags., 3 figs., 1 tab. -- Open Access funded by Creative Commons Atribution Licence 4.0

First observation of excited states inHg17595

Excited states of the neutron-deficient nucleus Hg-175, populated using fusion-evaporation reactions, are reported for the first time. The spin and parity of the ground state has been determined to ...

Structure of rotational bands in 253No

In-beam gamma-ray and conversion electron spectroscopic studies have been performed on the 253 No nucleus. A strongly coupled rotational band has been identified and the improved statistics allows an assignment of the band structure as built on the $\ensuremath 9/2^-[734]_{\nu}$ ground state. The results agree with previously known transition energies but disagree with the tentative structural assignments made in earlier work.

Alpha decay of the new isotopes 188,189Po

New neutron-deficient isotopes 188,189Po have been produced in the complete fusion reaction of 52Cr ions with a 142Nd target at the velocity filter SHIP. The evaporation residues were separated in-flight and subsequently identified on the basis of α-γ and α-conversion electron coincidence measurements and of α-α position and time correlations. In 189Po a ground state to ground state α decay with Eα1= 7540(20) keV, T1/2= 5(1) ms and two fine structure α-decays at Eα2= 7264(15) keV and Eα3= 7316(15) keV have been observed. In 188Po (T1/2= 400+200 −150μs) a ground state to ground state α decay at Eα= 7915(25) keV and a fine structure α decay at Eα= 7350(40) keV have been found. Improved data o…

Rich band structure and multiple long-lived isomers in the odd-odd Cs118 nucleus

Decay studies of the long-lived states in Tl-186

9 pags., 12 figs., 3 tabs.

α-spectroscopy studies of the new nuclides 165Pt and 170Hg

The new nuclides 165Pt and 170Hg were produced in the reactions 92Mo(78Kr,5n) and 96Ru(78Kr,4n) at bombarding energies of 418 MeV and 390 MeV, respectively. For 170Hg an α-particle energy of Eα=7590(30)keV and half-life of t1/2=0.08+0.40−0.04ms were deduced, while for 165Pt the corresponding values were 7272(14) keV and 0.26+0.26−0.09ms. Comparison of the reduced α-decay widths with systematics indicates that both α decays are unhindered. Although combining the measured α-decay Q values with extrapolated masses suggests that both new nuclides are unbound to two-proton emission by more than 1 MeV, their α-decay half-lives are too short for this decay mode to compete. Improved data were also …

Characterizing the atomic mass surface beyond the proton drip line via a-decay measurements of the s1/2 ground state of 165Re and the h11/2 isomer in 161Ta

The a-decay chains originating from the s1/2 and h11/2 states in 173Au have been investigated following fusion-evaporation reactions. Four generations of a radioactivities have been correlated with 173Aum leading to a measurement of the a decay of 161Tam. It has been found that the known a decay of 161Ta, which was previously associated with the decay of the ground state, is in fact the decay of an isomeric state. This work also reports on the first observation of prompt g rays feeding the ground state of 173Au. This prompt radiation was used to aid the study of the a-decay chain originating from the s1/2 state in 173Au. Three generations of a decays have been correlated with this state lea…

Reinvestigation of the excited states in the proton emitter $^{151}$Lu: particle-hole excitations across the $N=Z=64$ subshell

The excited states of the proton emitter $^{151}$Lu were reinvestigated in a recoil-decay tagging experiment at the Accelerator Laboratory of the University of Jyv\"askyl\"a (JYFL). The level scheme built on the ground state of $^{151}$Lu was updated with five new $\gamma$-ray transitions. Large-scale shell model calculations were carried out to interpret the experimental level scheme. It is found that the excitation energies of states above the $27/2^-$ and $23/2^+$ isomeric levels can be sensitive to excitations from $g_{7/2}$ and $d_{5/2}$ to single-particle orbitals above $N=Z=64$.

Neutron excitations in 119Ba

The neutron-deficient 119Ba nucleus has been studied using the 58Ni(64Zn,2pn) reaction and the JUROGAM 3 γ-ray detector array coupled to the MARA recoil-mass separator setup. One new rotational band and several low-lying states are newly identified. A half-life of T1/2=0.36(2)μs has been measured for the 5/2− bandhead of the νh11/2 band. The two previously known rotational bands are confirmed, except for the higher part of the +1/2 signature partner of the positive-parity band. Configurations are assigned based on the analysis of the observed quasiparticle alignments whose nature is unveiled by the calculations using the particle number conserving cranked shell model. peerReviewed

Isomeric and ground-state properties of78171Pt,76167Os, and74163W

Decay paths, half-lives, and excitation energies of the i(13/2) bandheads of the neutron-deficient nuclei Pt-171, Os-167, and W-163 have been established for the first time. Gamma-ray transitions, ...

Decay of a 19(-) isomeric state in Lu-156

A multiparticle spin-trap isomeric state having a half-life of 179(4) ns and lying 2601 keV above the yrast 10(+) state in Lu-156 has been discovered. The Lu-156 nuclei were produced by bombarding isotopically enriched Cd-106 targets with beams of Ni-58 ions, separated in flight using the gas-filled separator RITU and their decays were measured using the GREAT spectrometer. Analysis of the main decay path that populates yrast states observed previously suggests a spin-parity assignment of 19(-) for the isomeric state, which is consistent with isomeric states identified in the N = 85 isotones. Comparison with other decay paths in Lu-156 indicates that the [pi h(11/)(2)(-1) circle times nu h(…

Octupole states in Tl207 studied through β decay

The β decay of 207Hg into the single-proton-hole nucleus 207Tl has been studied through γ-ray spectroscopy at the ISOLDE Decay Station (IDS) with the aim of identifying states resulting from coupling of the πs−11/2, πd−13/2, and πh−111/2 shell model orbitals to the collective octupole vibration. Twenty-two states were observed lying between 2.6 and 4.0 MeV, eleven of which were observed for the first time, and 78 new transitions were placed. Two octupole states (s1/2-coupled) are identified and three more states (d3/2-coupled) are tentatively assigned using spin-parity inferences, while further h11/2-coupled states may also have been observed for the first time. Comparisons are made with st…

Spectroscopy of transfermium nuclei: No-252(102)

An in-beam study of excited states in the transfermium nucleus 252 No has been performed using the recoil separator RITU together with the JUROSPHERE II array at the University of Jyväskylä. This is the second transfermium nucleus studied in an in-beam experiment. Levels up to spin 20 were populated and compared to levels in 254 No . An upbend is seen at a frequency of 200 keV/ħ corresponding to spin 16. We also use an improved systematics to connect the energy of the lowest 2 + state with its half-life and find that the deformation of both 2 5 2 , 2 5 4 No is slightly larger than previously assumed. peerReviewed

Lifetime measurements in 166Re : Collective versus magnetic rotation

WOS: 000371740600004

Fine structure in the alpha decays of 226U and 230Pu

The nuclei 226U and 230Pu have been populated via reactions involving 208Pb targets bombarded by 22Ne and 26Mg projectiles. Fusion-evaporation residues were separated in-flight using a gas-filled recoil separator. A position-sensitive Si-strip detector was employed at the focal plane in order to identify correlated α-decay chains. Two fine structure α-decay lines have been observed. The first, with an energy of 7385(5) keV, is assigned as the α decay from 226U to the first excited 2+ state of 222Th. The second line, observed for the first time in this work, has an energy of 6961(30) keV and is assigned as the α decay from 230Pu to the first excited 2+ state of 226U. The excitation energy of…

Quasiparticle alignments and α-decay fine structure of 175Pt

Excited states and decay properties of 175Pt have been investigated using the 92Mo(86Sr,2pn) fusion-evaporation reaction. The JUROGAM I γ -ray spectrometer and the GREAT spectrometer were used in conjunction with the gas-filled recoil separator RITU for the measurement of the radiation at the target and focal plane positions, respectively. Two new band structures, assigned to be based on the I π = (7/2 −) ground state in 175Pt, have been established and the known yrast band has been extended up to I π = (49/2 +). Rotational properties of the excited states in 175Pt have been investigated within the cranked shell-model formalism. The low-frequency changes in the alignments of the positive- a…

Collectivity ofPo196at low spin

Absolute electromagnetic transition probabilities in $^{196}\mathrm{Po}$ have been measured using the recoil distance Doppler-shift technique. The lifetimes of the three lowest yrast states in $^{196}\mathrm{Po}$ were extracted from singles \ensuremath{\gamma}-ray spectra by using the recoil-decay tagging method. In addition, configuration mixing calculations of angular momentum projected mean-field states have been carried out for $^{196}\mathrm{Po}$. The present study sheds light on the onset of collectivity and mixing of competing structures in neutron-deficient Po nuclei.

Decay of a 19− isomeric state in 156Lu

A multiparticle spin-trap isomeric state having a half-life of 179(4) ns and lying 2601 keV above the yrast 10 + state in 156 Lu has been discovered. The 156 Lu nuclei were produced by bombarding isotopically enriched 106 Cd targets with beams of 58 Ni ions, separated in flight using the gas-filled separator RITU and their decays were measured using the GREAT spectrometer. Analysis of the main decay path that populates yrast states observed previously suggests a spin-parity assignment of 19 − for the isomeric state, which is consistent with isomeric states identified in the N = 85 isotones. Comparison with other decay paths in 156 Lu indicates that the [ π h − 1 11 / 2 ⊗ ν h 9 / 2 ] 10 + st…

Shape coexistence in183Tl

Prompt and delayed $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays originating from the neutron deficient nucleus ${}^{183}\mathrm{Tl}$ have been observed using the recoil-decay tagging and recoil gating techniques. The band-head energy of the prolate $\ensuremath{\pi}{i}_{13/2}$ yrast band has been determined. The yrast structure has also been confirmed up to the ${(33/2}^{+})$ state. In addition, a candidate for the ${(11/2}^{\ensuremath{-}})$ level based on the $\ensuremath{\pi}{(h}_{11/2}{)}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ configuration has been observed.

Multiparticle configurations of excited states in 155Lu

Excited states in the neutron-deficient N=84 nuclide 155Lu have been populated by using the 102Pd(58Ni,αp) reaction. The 155Lu nuclei were separated by using the gas-filled recoil ion transport unit (RITU) separator and implanted into the Si detectors of the gamma recoil electron alpha tagging (GREAT) spectrometer. Prompt γ-ray emissions measured at the target position using the JUROGAM Ge detector array were assigned to 155Lu through correlations with α decays measured in GREAT. Structures feeding the (11/2−) and (25/2−)α-decaying states have been revised and extended. Shell-model calculations have been performed and are found to reproduce the excitation energies of several of the low-lyin…

Complete set of proton excitations in 119Cs

The very neutron-deficient strongly deformed 119Cs nucleus has been studied using the 58Ni(64Zn,3p) reaction and the JUROGAM 3 γ-ray detector array coupled to the MARA recoil-mass separator setup. The excitation energies of all observed bands have been determined, spins and parities have been firmly assigned to most of the observed states. The previously known and the newly identified rotational bands have been extended to very high spin and excitation energy. The configurations of the observed bands are discussed using the particle number conserving cranked shell model. The present study establishes the largest set of rotational bands observed in the proton-rich A≈120 mass region. peerRevi…

Characterizing the atomic mass surface beyond the proton drip line viaα-decay measurements of theπs1/2ground state of165Re and theπh11/2isomer in161Ta

The α-decay chains originating from the πs1/2 and πh11/2 states in 173Au have been investigated following fusion-evaporation reactions. Four generations of α radioactivities have been correlated with 173Aum leading to a measurement of the α decay of 161Tam. It has been found that the known α decay of 161Ta, which was previously associated with the decay of the ground state, is in fact the decay of an isomeric state. This work also reports on the first observation of prompt γ rays feeding the ground state of 173Au. This prompt γ radiation was used to aid the study of the α-decay chain originating from the πs1/2 state in 173Au. Three generations of α decays have been correlated with this stat…

Coulomb excitation of Rn-222

The nature of quadrupole and octupole collectivity in 222Rn was investigated by determining the electric-quadrupole (E2) and octupole (E3) matrix elements using subbarrier, multistep Coulomb excitation. The radioactive 222Rn beam, accelerated to 4.23 MeV/u, was provided by the HIE-ISOLDE facility at CERN. Data were collected in the Miniball γ-ray spectrometer following the bombardment of two targets, 120Sn and 60Ni. Transition E2 matrix elements within the ground-state and octupole bands were measured up to 10ℏ and the results were consistent with a constant intrinsic electric-quadrupole moment, 518(11)efm2. The values of the intrinsic electric-octupole moment for the 0+→3− and 2+→5− transi…

β-delayed fission of186,188Bi isotopes

By using the technique of correlating implanted evaporation residues and their subsequent fission decay, $\ensuremath{\beta}$-delayed fission ($\ensuremath{\beta}$DF) of ${}^{186}$Bi has been identified for the first time and $\ensuremath{\beta}$DF of ${}^{188}$Bi has been unambiguously confirmed. The experiments were performed at the velocity filter SHIP (GSI, Darmstadt). The $\ensuremath{\beta}$DF probabilities for both nuclides were qualitatively estimated, and, in particular indications for a large value in the case of ${}^{186}$Bi are regarded.

Competing Decay Modes of a High-spin Isomer in the Proton-unbound Nucleus $^{158}$Ta

An isomeric state at high spin and excitation energy was recently observed in the proton-unbound nucleus 158Ta. This state was observed to decay by both α and γ decay modes. The large spin change r ...

Probing the shape of 176Hg along the yrast line

In-beam γ-ray and γ-γ coincidence measurements have been made for the very neutron-deficient nucleus 176Hg using the recoil-decay tagging (RDT) technique. The irregular yrast sequence observed up to I=10ħ indicates that the prolate intruder band, seen in heavier Hg isotopes near the neutron midshell, crosses the nearly spherical ground-state band of 176Hg above I=6ħ. peerReviewed

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 $N=104$.

Competition between allowed and first-forbidden β decays of At208 and expansion of the Po208 level scheme

The structure of 208Po populated through the EC/β+ decay of 208At is investigated using γ-ray spectroscopy at the ISOLDE Decay Station. The presented level scheme contains 27 new excited states and 43 new transitions, as well as a further 50 previously observed γ rays which have been (re)assigned a position. The level scheme is compared to shell model calculations. Through this analysis approximately half of the β-decay strength of 208At is found to proceed via allowed decay and half via first-forbidden decay. The first-forbidden transitions predominantly populate core excited states at high excitation energies, which is qualitatively understood using shell model considerations. This mass r…

In-beam study of 253No using the SAGE spectrometer

The heavy actinide nucleus 253No (Z = 102) was studied using the (S)ilicon (A)nd (Ge)rmanium (SAGE) spectrometer allowing simultaneous in-beam $\gamma$ -ray and conversion electron spectroscopy at the accelerator laboratory of the University of Jyvaskyla. Using the recoil-tagging technique, $\gamma$ -electron coincidences have allowed for the extension of the level scheme in the lower-spin region of the yrast band. In addition, internal conversion coefficient (ICC) measurements to establish the multipolarity of transitions have been performed. Measurement of the interband-intraband branching ratios supports the assignment of the Nilsson band-head configuration $9/2^{-}[734]$ assigned in pre…

NA48/62 latest results

The NA62 experiment at the CERN SPS recorded in 2007 a large sample of K+ ? µ+?µ decays. A peak search in the missing mass spectrum of this decay is performed. In the absence of observed signal, the limits obtained on B(K+ ? µ+?h) and on the mixing matrix element |Uµ 4| are reported. The upgraded NA62 experiment started data taking in 2015. About 5×1011K+ decays have been recorded so far to measure the branching ratio of the K+ ? ?+?? decay. Preliminary results from the K+ ? ?+?? analysis based on about 5% of the 2016 statistics are reported.

Precision measurements of proton emission from the ground states of 156Ta and 160Re

The decays of the πd3/2 ground states of 156Ta and 160Re have been studied in detail using the GREAT spectrometer. More than 7000 160Re nuclei were produced in reactions of 290- and 300-MeV 58Ni ions with an isotopically enriched 106Cd target and separated in flight using the RITU separator. The proton and α decays of the πd3/2 level were confirmed and the half-life and branching ratios of this state were determined with improved precision to be t1/2=611±7 μs and bp=89±1% and bα=11±1%, respectively. The α-decay branch populated the ground state of 156Ta, allowing improved values for the proton-decay energy and half-life to be obtained (Ep=1011±5 keV; t1/2=106±4 ms). The β decay of this leve…

Strongly coupled bands in the neutron-deficient nucleus167Re

Excited states in the neutron-deficient nucleus Re-167 have been observed in a recoil-tagging experiment performed with the Jurosphere gamma-ray spectrometer in conjunction with the RITU gas-filled ...

Transition probability studies in175Au

Transition probabilities have been measured between the low-lying yrast states in 175Au by employing the recoil distance Doppler-shift method combined with the selective recoil-decay tagging technique. Reduced transition probabilities and magnitudes of transition quadrupole moments have been extracted from measured lifetimes allowing dramatic changes in nuclear structure within a low excitation-energy range to probed. The transition quadrupole moment data are discussed in terms of available systematics as a function of atomic number and aligned angular momentum.

Hyperfine anomaly in gold and magnetic moments of $I^{\pi}$ $= 11/2^{−}$ gold isomers

Physical review / C 101(3), 034308 (2020). doi:10.1103/PhysRevC.101.034308

Fine structure in the α decay of high-spin isomers in 155Lu and 156Hf

Fine structure in the α decay of high-spin isomers in 155Lu(25/2−) and 156Hf (8+) has been studied for the first time using αγ -coincidence analysis. Three new α decays from 155Lu(25/2−) and two from 156Hf (8+) have been identified, populating seniority s > 1 states in the N = 82 nuclei 151Tm and 152Yb, respectively. The reduced hindrance factors of the α decays support the previous configuration assignments of the populated states. This is the first observation of states with excitation energy greater than 1.5 MeV being populated following α decay in nuclei outside of the 208Pb region. peerReviewed

Competing quasiparticle configurations in W-163

WOS: 000274002700019

Refined description of the positive-parity bands and the extent of octupole correlations in 120Ba

Three new negative-parity bands have been identified in 120Ba, two of them forming a strongly coupled band. The previously known negative-parity band is significantly extended to high spin, while the lower part of the yrare positive-parity band has been modified. From the analysis of the band properties and comparison with the neighboring nuclei a coherent description of all bands is achieved. In particular, a simple explanation of the evolution of the positive-parity bands at high spin is proposed, including the possible occupation of the νf7/2[541]1/2− intruder orbital. Cranked Nilsson-Strutinsky calculations reveal similar quadrupole deformations but different triaxiality of the bands, w…

Fine structure in Po α-decay and shape coexistence in Pb

Abstract Excited Jπ=0+ states in 188 Pb populated in the α-decay of 192 Po have been identified through α-particle/conversion electron coincidences. α-particle energies and branching ratios have been measured, and hindrance factors deduced. The level scheme has been fitted using a configuration mixing calculation, providing estimates of the mixing matrix elements, mixing amplitudes and the energies of unperturbed and unobserved levels.

Single-particle and collective excitations in the transitional nucleus 166Os

The mean lifetimes of the lowest energy 2(+), 8(+) and 9(-) states in Os-166 have been measured using the recoil distance Doppler-shift method in conjunction with a selective recoil-decay tagging t ...

Excited states and reduced transition probabilities in Os 168

The level scheme of the neutron-deficient nuclide 168Os has been extended and mean lifetimes of excited states have been measured by the recoil distance Doppler-shift method using the JUROGAM γ -ray spectrometer in conjunction with the IKP Koln plunger device. The ¨ 168Os γ rays were measured in delayed coincidence with recoiling fusion-evaporation residues detected at the focal plane of the RITU gas-filled separator. The ratio of reduced transition probabilities B(E2; 4+ 1 → 2+ 1 )/B(E2; 2+ 1 → 0+ 1 ) is measured to be 0.34(18), which is very unusual for collective band structures and cannot be reproduced by interacting boson model (IBM-2) calculations based on the SkM* energy-density func…

Probing intruder structures in lead nuclei

In-beam γ-ray spectroscopy measurements provide important information on coexisting normal and intruder configurations in lead nuclei. However, in these experiments the yrast states are preferentially populated so that in many cases nothing is known about non-yrast states that are essential for obtaining a fuller understanding. Complementary experiments designed to study fine structure in the a decays of polonium nuclei have led to the discovery of low-spin non-yrast states in the daughter lead nuclei, while higher-spin states can be identified through the γ decays of isomeric states. The α-decay studies have the additional benefit of allowing information on configuration mixing in the polo…

Recoil-isomer tagging techniques at RITU

Techniques have been developed to study isomeric states in nuclei with the use of RITU (gas filled separator) at the University of Jyvaskyla. The first was the recoil-isomer tagging technique initially, utilised by D.M. Cullen to study the K π = 8− isomeric state in 138Gd [1]. The juro-sphere array was employed in conjunction with ritu and a focal plane array which consisted of several Compton-suppressed Germanium detectors, placed in close geometry around a multi wire proportional counter (mwpc) and a silicon strip detector used for the implantation of recoiling nuclei. This technique correlates prompt and delayed γ-ray transitions across isomeric states and identifies the lifetime of the …

αdecay of the new isotope206Ac

The new neutron-deficient nuclide {sup 206}Ac was produced by bombarding a {sup 175}Lu target with 5.5 MeV/nucleon {sup 36}Ar ions. The evaporation residues were separated in flight by a gas-filled separator and subsequently identified by the {alpha}-{alpha} position and time correlation method. {sup 206}Ac was found to have two {alpha} particle emitting isomeric levels with half-lives of (22{sub {minus}5}{sup +9}) ms and (33{sub {minus}9}{sup +22}) ms, and with {alpha} particle energies of (7790{plus_minus}30) keV and (7750{plus_minus}20) keV, respectively. The former isomer is tentatively assigned to a J{sup {pi}}=3{sup +} level and the latter to a J{sup {pi}}=10{sup {minus}} level, both …

First observation of excited states in182Pb

Lifetime measurements probing triple shape coexistence in ^{175}Au

Lifetimes of the low-lying excited states in the very neutron-deficient nucleus ${}^{175}$Au have been measured by the recoil-distance Doppler-shift method using $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray spectra obtained with the recoil-decay tagging technique. Transition quadrupole moments and reduced transition probabilities extracted for this odd-$Z$ nucleus indicate the existence of three different shapes and the competition between collective and noncollective structures.

Low-lying excited states in the neutron-deficient isotopes163Os and165Os

Excited states in the neutron-deficient isotopes Os-163 and Os-165 were identified using the JUROGAM and GREAT spectrometers in conjunction with the RITU gas-filled separator. The Os-163 and Os-165 nuclei were populated via the Cd-106(Ni-60,3n) and Mo-92(Kr-78,2p3n) reactions at bombarding energies of 270 MeV and 357 MeV, respectively. Gamma-ray emissions from these nuclei have been established unambiguously using the recoil-decay tagging technique and a coincidence analysis has allowed level schemes to be established. These results suggest that the yrast states are based upon negative-parity configurations originating from the f(7/2) and h(9/2) orbitals.

Decay studies of the long-lived states in Tl186

Decay spectroscopy of the long-lived states in 186Tl has been performed at the ISOLDE Decay Station at ISOLDE, CERN. The α decay from the low-spin (2−) state in 186Tl was observed for the first time and a half-life of 3.4+0.5−0.4 s was determined. Based on the α-decay energy, the relative positions of the long-lived states were fixed, with the (2−) state as the ground state, the 7(+) state at 77(56) keV, and the 10(−) state at 451(56) keV. The level scheme of the internal decay of the 186Tl(10(−)) state [T1/2=3.40(9) s], which was known to decay solely through emission of 374-keV γ-ray transition, was extended and a lower limit for the β-decay branching bβ>5.9(3)% was determined. The extrac…

α-Decay branching ratios measured by γ-ray tagging

Abstract The nuclides 168–170Pt were produced by bombarding isotopically enriched 92,94Mo targets with 336, 348 MeV 78Kr ions. Prompt γ rays were detected at the target position and provided a selection criterion for the 168–170Pt nuclei. This technique enables the problem of the background from higher-energy α decays in the spectrum to be circumvented. The Pt nuclei were separated in flight using the gas-filled separator RITU and implanted into the GREAT spectrometer, which was used to study subsequent α decays. The α -decay branching ratios of 164–166Os were deduced from the fraction of selected 168–170Pt nuclei correlated with α decays of 164–166Os. The resulting branching ratios agree w…

Identification of excited states in 107,52Te55

Excited states in the extremely neutron-deficient nucleus 107Te have been identified from two separate experiments using the recoil-decay tagging technique. Two connected structures were observed on the basis of γγ-coincidence relations and tentatively assigned as built on the mixed-parentage νg7/2d5/2 and νh11/2 intruder configurations. The observed structures were compared with large-scale shell-model calculations and total Routhian surface calculations. Collective behavior was discovered to persist in the νh11/2 band of 107Te which highlights the shape-polarizing effect of a single valence neutron occupying the h11/2 intruder orbit as the N=50 shell closure is approached. peerReviewed

Discovery of the proton emitting nucleus $^{159}$Re

Fund. para Cienc. Tecnol., FCT, Minist. Cienc. Tecnol.;Fundacao Calouste Gulbenkian;Fundacao Luso-Americana

α decay of the πh11/2 isomer in Ir164

The α -decay branch of the πh 11 / 2 isomer in 164 Ir has been identified using the GREAT spectrometer. The 164 Ir nuclei were produced using the 92 Mo( 78 Kr ,p 5 n ) 164 Ir reaction and separated in flight using the recoil ion transport unit (RITU) gas-filled separator. The measured α -decay energy of 6880 ± 10 keV allowed the excitation of the πh 11 / 2 state in 160 Re to be deduced as 166 ± 14 keV. The half-life of 164 Ir was measured with improved precision to be 70 ± 10 μ sandan α -decay branching ratio of 4 ± 2% was determined. Improved half-life and branching ratio measurements were also obtained for 165 Ir, but no evidence was found for the ground-state decays of either 164 Ir or 1…

Beta-delayed neutron spectroscopy of $^{133}$In

The decay properties of In133 were studied in detail at the ISOLDE Decay Station. The implementation of the Resonance Ionization Laser Ion Source allowed separate measurements of its 9/2+ ground state (In133g) and 1/2− isomer (In133m). With the use of β-delayed neutron and γ spectroscopy, the decay strengths above the neutron separation energy were quantified in this neutron-rich nucleus for the first time. The allowed Gamow-Teller transition 9/2+→7/2+ was located at 5.93 MeV in the In133g decay with a logft=4.7(1). In addition, several neutron-unbound states were populated at lower excitation energies by the first-forbidden decays of In133g,m. We assigned spins and parities to those neutro…

Recoil-decay tagging spectroscopy of 162 74 W 88

Excited states in the highly neutron-deficient nucleus 162W have been investigated via the 92Mo(78Kr, 2α) 162W reaction. Prompt γ rays were detected by the JUROGAM II high-purity germanium detector array and the recoiling fusion-evaporation products were separated by the recoil ion transport unit (RITU) gas-filled recoil separator and identified with the gamma recoil electron alpha tagging (GREAT) spectrometer at the focal plane of RITU. γ rays from 162W were identified uniquely using mother-daughter and mother-daughter-granddaughter α-decay correlations. The observation of a rotational-like ground-state band is interpreted within the framework of total Routhian surface (TRS) calculations, …

The BRIKEN Project: Extensive Measurements of $\beta $-delayed Neutron Emitters for the Astrophysical r Process

An ambitious program to measure decay properties, primarily β-delayed neutron emission probabilities and half-lives, for a significant number of nuclei near or on the path of the rapid neutron capture process, has been launched at the RIKEN Nishina Center. We give here an overview of the status of the project.

Shape coexistence in neutron-deficient Hg isotopes studied via lifetime measurements in Hg-184,Hg-186 and two-state mixing calculations

Abstract: The neutron-deficient mercury isotopes, 184 , 186 Hg, were studied with the recoil distance Doppler-shift method using the Gammasphere array and the K ̈ oln plunger device. The differential decay curve method was employed to determine the lifetimes of the yrast states in 184 , 186 Hg. An improvement on previously measured values of yrast states up to 8 + is presented as well as first values for the 9 3 state in 184 Hg and 10 + state in 186 Hg. B ( E 2) values are calculated and compared to a two-state mixing model which utilizes the variable moment of inertia model, allowing for extraction of spin-dependent mixing strengths and amplitudes. peerReviewed

First β -decay spectroscopy of In 135 and new β -decay branches of In 134

Characteristics of segmented super clover detector in close geometry decay measurements

Characteristics of the segmented Super Clover germanium detector response in close geometries have been studied. Results obtained with localising hit pattern recognition are compared with results from add-back and individual crystal analysis. The detector has been used at the focal plane of a gas filled recoil separator to detect isomeric gamma-rays from the nuclei produced in the 150Sm(42Ca,4n)188Pb reaction. Coincidence data from the detector was analysed and the level scheme below the 1.2 μ s isomeric state in 188Pb could be deduced. peerReviewed

In-beam study of 254No

Excited states of the Z = 102 nuclide 254No have been studied in the reaction 208Pb(48Ca,2n) by means of in-beam γ -ray spectroscopy in combination with recoil gating and recoil decay tagging. A Ge detector array, consisting of four clover detectors, and a gas-filled separator were used. Six γ-ray lines were observed and associated with E2 transitions in the ground state band of 254No, the highest-lying of these being the 16+→ 14+ transition. Based on global systematics and the extrapolated 2+ 1 excitation energy, the value β2= 0.27 ± 0.03 was extracted for the quadrupole deformation. An improved value for the half-life of 254No, T1/2= (48 ± 3) s, was determined.

A triplet of differently shaped spin-zero states in the atomic nucleus 186Pb

Understanding the fundamental excitations of many-fermion systems is of significant current interest. In atomic nuclei with even numbers of neutrons and protons, the low-lying excitation spectrum is generally formed by nucleon pair breaking and nuclear vibrations or rotations. However, for certain numbers of protons and neutrons, a subtle rearrangement of only a few nucleons among the orbitals at the Fermi surface can result in a different elementary mode: a macroscopic shape change. The first experimental evidence for this phenomenon came from the observation of shape coexistence in 16O (ref. 4). Other unexpected examples came with the discovery of fission isomers and super-deformed nuclei…

First Accurate Normalization of the β-delayed α Decay of ^{16}N and Implications for the ^{12}C(α,γ)^{16}O Astrophysical Reaction Rate.

The ^{12}C(α,γ)^{16}O reaction plays a central role in astrophysics, but its cross section at energies relevant for astrophysical applications is only poorly constrained by laboratory data. The reduced α width, γ_{11}, of the bound 1^{-} level in ^{16}O is particularly important to determine the cross section. The magnitude of γ_{11} is determined via sub-Coulomb α-transfer reactions or the β-delayed α decay of ^{16}N, but the latter approach is presently hampered by the lack of sufficiently precise data on the β-decay branching ratios. Here we report improved branching ratios for the bound 1^{-} level [b_{β,11}=(5.02±0.10)×10^{-2}] and for β-delayed α emission [b_{βα}=(1.59±0.06)×10^{-5}].…

First Accurate Normalization of the β -delayed α Decay of N16 and Implications for the C12(α,γ)O16 Astrophysical Reaction Rate

The C-12(alpha,gamma)O-16 reaction plays a central role in astrophysics, but its cross section at energies relevant for astrophysical applications is only poorly constrained by laboratory data. The reduced a width, gamma(11), of the bound 1(-) level in O-16 is particularly important to determine the cross section. The magnitude of gamma(11) is determined via sub-Coulomb a-transfer reactions or the beta-delayed a decay of N-16, but the latter approach is presently hampered by the lack of sufficiently precise data on the beta-decay branching ratios. Here we report improved branching ratios for the bound 1(-) level [b(beta,11) = (5.02 +/- 0.10) x 10(-2)] and for beta-delayed alpha emission [b(…

Lifetime measurements of excited states in $^{163}$W and the implications for the anomalous B(E2) ratios in transitional nuclei

Grahn, Tuomas/0000-0002-6255-2279; Herzan, Andrej/0000-0002-6736-7638; Cullen, Dave/0000-0002-0041-1606; Barber, Liam/0000-0002-7409-9352; Keatings, James Michael/0000-0003-4271-8021; SAYGI, BAHADIR/0000-0001-5406-506X; Greenlees, Paul/0000-0002-5986-5274; Spagnoletti, Pietro/0000-0002-7674-989X; Parr, Edward/0000-0001-6204-4461; Bondili, S Nara Singh/0000-0002-4096-2429

Excited states in the proton-unbound nuclide 158Ta

Excited states in the neutron-deficient odd-odd proton-unbound nuclide 158Ta have been investigated in two separate experiments. In the first experiment, 166Ir nuclei were produced in the reactions of 380 MeV 78Kr ions with an isotopically enriched 92Mo target. The α-decay chain of the 9+ state in 166Ir was analyzed. Fine structure in the α decay of the 9+ state in 162Re established a 66 keV difference in excitation energy between the lowest-lying 9+ and 10+ states in 158Ta. Higher-lying states in 158Ta were populated in the reactions of 255 MeV 58Ni ions with an isotopically enriched 102Pd target. Gamma-ray decay paths that populate, depopulate, and bypass a 19− isomeric state have been id…

Shape coexistence in183Tl

Identification of Excited States in theTz=1NucleusXe110: Evidence for Enhanced Collectivity near theN=Z=50Double Shell Closure

Gamma-ray transitions have been identified for the first time in the extremely neutron-deficient (N=Z+2) nucleus {sup 110}Xe, and the energies of the three lowest excited states in the ground-state band have been deduced. The results establish a breaking of the normal trend of increasing first excited 2{sup +} and 4{sup +} level energies as a function of the decreasing neutron number as the N=50 major shell gap is approached for the neutron-deficient Xe isotopes. This unusual feature is suggested to be an effect of enhanced collectivity, possibly arising from isoscalar n-p interactions becoming increasingly important close to the N=Z line.

Lifetime measurements in 166Re : Collective versus magnetic rotation

Lifetimes of excited states in the neutron-deficient odd-odd nucleus 166Re have been measured for the first time using the recoil distance Doppler-shift method. The measured lifetime for the (8−) state; τ = 480 (80) ps, enabled an assessment of the multipolarities of the γ rays depopulating this state. Information on electromagnetic transition strengths were deduced for the γ -ray transitions from the (9−), (10−), and (11−) states, and in the case of the (10−) and (11−) states limits on the B(M1) and B(E2) strengths were estimated. The results are compared with total Routhian surface predictions and semiclassical calculations. Tilted-axis cranking calculations based on a relativistic mean-f…

Reinvestigation of the excited states in the proton emitter 151Lu : Particle-hole excitations across the N=Z=64 subshell

The excited states of the proton emitter 151Lu were reinvestigated in a recoil-decay tagging experiment at the Accelerator Laboratory of the University of Jyväskylä (JYFL). The level scheme built on the ground state of 151Lu was updated with five new γ -ray transitions. Large-scale shell model calculations were carried out in the model space consisting of the neutron and proton orbitals 0g7/2, 1d5/2, 1d3/2, 2s1/2, and 0h11/2 with the optimized monopole interaction in order to interpret the experimental level scheme of 151Lu. It is found that the excitation energies of states above the 27/2− and 23/2+ isomeric levels in 151Lu can be sensitive to excitations from g7/2 and d5/2 to single-parti…

Competition between Allowed and First-Forbidden β Decay: The Case of Hg208→Tl208

The β decay of ^{208}Hg into the one-proton hole, one neutron-particle _{81}^{208}Tl_{127} nucleus was investigated at CERN-ISOLDE. Shell-model calculations describe well the level scheme deduced, validating the proton-neutron interactions used, with implications for the whole of the N>126, Z<82 quadrant of neutron-rich nuclei. While both negative and positive parity states with spin 0 and 1 are expected within the Q_{β} window, only three negative parity states are populated directly in the β decay. The data provide a unique test of the competition between allowed Gamow-Teller and Fermi, and first-forbidden β decays, essential for the understanding of the nucleosynthesis of heavy nuclei in…

First observation of excited states in the neutron deficient N = 86 isotones 159Ta and 160W

The γ decays of excited states in the neutron deficient nuclei 159 Ta and 160 W have been identified for the first time. The nuclei of interest were produced in reactions induced by beams of 58 Ni ions at energies of 286 MeV, 291 MeV, and 298 MeV bombarding a 106 Cd target. Prompt γ rays were recorded using the JUROSPHERE spectrometer and were tagged through the subsequent α decays of associated recoil ions measured in a position-sensitive silicon strip detector at the focal plane of the gas-filled separator RITU. Level schemes have been deduced and compared with similar structures observed in neighboring nuclei. peerReviewed

Recoil decay tagging ofγrays in the extremely neutron-deficient nucleusOs162

The neutron-deficient nucleus $^{162}\mathrm{Os}$, produced in the $^{106}\mathrm{Cd}(^{58}\mathrm{Ni},2n)$ reaction, has been studied using the JUROGAM $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray spectrometer in conjunction with the RITU gas-filled separator and the GREAT focal plane spectrometer. $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray transitions in $^{162}\mathrm{Os}$ have been assigned for the first time through the application of the recoil decay tagging technique. The excitation energy of the ${2}^{+}$ state and the tentative energy of the ${8}^{+}$ state are discussed in terms of the systematic energy trends as the $N=82$ shell gap is approached.

Fast-timing Measurement in \(^{96}\)Pd: Improved Accuracy for the Lifetime of the \(4_1^{+}\) State

Direct lifetime measurements via γ–γ coincidences using the FATIMA fast-timing LaBr3(Ce) array were performed for the excited states below previously reported isomers. In the N = 50 semi-magic 96Pd nucleus, lifetimes below the I π = 8+ seniority isomer were addressed as a benchmark for further analysis. The results for the I π = 2+ and 4 + states confirm the published values. Increased accuracy for the lifetime value was achieved for the 4 + state. peerReviewed

Lifetimes of odd-spin yrast states inHg182

Lifetimes of excited states in $^{182}\mathrm{Hg}$ were extracted from recoil-gated $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray spectra and recoil-gated $\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\gamma}$-coincidence matrices using the recoil distance Doppler-shift method. States were populated using the $^{96}\mathrm{Mo}$($^{88}\mathrm{Sr}$,$2n$)$^{182}\mathrm{Hg}$ fusion-evaporation reaction. Measured lifetimes allowed transition probabilities, transition quadrupole moments, quadrupole deformation parameters, and transition dipole moments to be deduced for the band formed by the odd-spin yrast states. The experimental results confirm the low degree of octupole collectivity in this mass region.

Probing structures of exotic heavy nuclei

The JYFL gas-filled recoil separator RITU, combined with Ge detector arrays, has successfully been employed in Recoil-Decay-Tagging (RDT) experiments in order to probe, for the first time, structures of several very neutron deficient heavy nuclei. In this contribution new data for light even-mass Hg, Pb and Po nuclei are shown and discussed. peerReviewed

Nuclear levels in proton-unboundI109: Relative single-particle energies beyond the proton drip line

A level scheme has been constructed for the proton-unbound, T-z=3/2 nuclide I-109(53)56 following a recoil-decay-tagging experiment using the Ni-58(Fe-54, p2n gamma) reaction at a beam energy of 19 ...

High K bands in mid-supershell nuclei

The spectrum of prompt conversion electrons emitted by excited 254No nuclei has been measured, revealing discrete lines arising from transitions within the ground state band. A striking feature is a broad distribution that peaks near 100 keV and comprises high multiplicity electron cascades, probably originating from M1 transitions within rotational bands built on high K states. Evidence for the existence of isomeric states in 254No is presented. peerReviewed

Evidence for enhanced collectivity in Te-I-Xe nuclei near the N = Z = 50 double shell closure

Gamma‐ray transitions have been identified for the first time in the extremely neutron‐deficient Tz = 1 nuclide 110Xe and the energies of the three lowest excited states in the ground‐state band have been deduced. A level scheme has also been constructed for the proton‐unbound, Tz = 3/2 nuclide 109I, exhibiting band structures built on g7/2 and h11/2 states in a weakly deformed, triaxial nucleus. In addition, a third band is proposed to be built on a g7/2 orbital coupled to an octupole‐vibrational phonon of the 108Te core. The results were obtained in a recoil‐decay tagging experiment using the 58Ni(54Fe,2n/p2n) reaction at a beam energy of 195 MeV. The experiment was performed using the hi…

First Accurate Normalization of the beta-delayed alpha Decay of N-16 and Implications for the C-12(alpha,gamma)O-16 Astrophysical Reaction Rate

6 pags., 4 figs. -- Open Access funded by Creative Commons Atribution Licence 4.0

β-delayed neutron emission of r-process nuclei at the N = 82 shell closure

This experiment was performed at RI Beam Factory operated by RIKEN Nishina Center and CNS, University of Tokyo. O.H, T.D, P.J.W, C.G.B, C.J.G and D.K would like to thank STFC, UK for support. This research was sponsored in part by the Office of Nuclear Physics, U.S. Department of Energy under Award No. DE-FG02-96ER40983 (UTK) and DEAC05-00OR22725 (ORNL), and by the National Nuclear Security Administration under the Stewardship Science Academic Alliances program through DOE Award No. DENA0002132. This work was supported by National Science Foundation under Grants No. PHY-1430152 (JINA Center for the Evolution of the Elements), No. PHY-1565546 (NSCL), and No. PHY-1714153 (Central Michigan Uni…

Detailed spectroscopy of doubly magic $^{132}$Sn

The structure of the doubly magic $^{132}_{50}$Sn$_{82}$ has been investigated at the ISOLDE facility at CERN, populated both by the $\beta^-$decay of $^{132}$In and $\beta^-$-delayed neutron emission of $^{133}$In. The level scheme of $^{132}$Sn is greatly expanded with the addition of 68 $\gamma$-transitions and 17 levels observed for the first time in the $\beta$ decay. The information on the excited structure is completed by new $\gamma$-transitions and states populated in the $\beta$-n decay of $^{133}$In. Improved delayed neutron emission probabilities are obtained both for $^{132}$In and $^{133}$In. Level lifetimes are measured via the Advanced Time-Delayed $\beta\gamma\gamma$(t) fas…

Spectroscopy of the neutron-deficient isobars 163 Re and 163 W using tagging techniques

Bozok University;Erciyes University;et al.;Istanbul University;Nigde University;The Turkish Atomic Energy Authority (TAEK)

Electromagnetic properties of low-lying states in neutron-deficient Hg isotopes: Coulomb excitation of Hg-182, Hg-184, Hg-186 and Hg-188

The neutron-deficient mercury isotopes serve as a classical example of shape coexistence, whereby at low energy near-degenerate nuclear states characterized by different shapes appear. The electromagnetic structure of even-mass 182-188 Hg isotopes was studied using safe-energy Coulomb excitation of neutron-deficient mercury beams delivered by the REX-ISOLDE facility at CERN. The population of $ 0^{+}_{1,2}$01,2+, $ 2^{+}_{1,2}$21,2+and $ 4^{+}_{1}$41+states was observed in all nuclei under study. Reduced E2 matrix elements coupling populated yrast and non-yrast states were extracted, including their relative signs. These are a sensitive probe of shape coexistence and may be used to validate…

Evidence for octupole collectivity in 172Pt

Excited states in the extremely neutron-deficient nucleus 172Pt were populated via 96Ru(78Kr,2p) and 92Mo(83Kr,3n) reactions. The level scheme has been extended up to an excitation energy of  ~ 5 MeV and tentative spin-parity assignments up to Iπ = 18+. Linear polarization and angular distribution measurements were used to determine the electromagnetic E1 character of the dipole transitions connecting the positive-parity ground-state band with an excited side-band, firmly establishing it as a negative-parity band. The lowest member of this negative-parity structure was firmly assigned spin-parity 3-. In addition, we observed an E3 transition from this 3- state to the ground state, providing…

Discovery of 157W and 161Os

The nuclides W-157 and Os-161 have been discovered ill reactions of Ni-58 ion beams with a Cd-106 target. The Os-161 alpha-decay energy and half-life were 6890 +/- 12 keV and 640 +/- 60 mu s. The d ...

Lifetime measurements of excited states in W-162 and W-164 and the evolution of collectivity in rare-earth nuclei

WOS: 000400140500006

Decay and in-beam studies of neutron-deficient Po and Ra isotopes at JYFL

An extensive program to study the production, decay properties, and nuclear structure of very neutron-deficient polonium and radium nuclei is underway at the Department of Physics, University of Jyvaskyla, Finland (JYFL). The main tools used in these studies are the gas-filled recoil separator RITU and various germanium gamma-ray arrays. In the course of these studies, among others the following new isotopes have been produced: Ra-204, Ra-203, and Ra-202. Isomeric alpha decaying states have been discovered in Ra-203 and Po-191. Fine structure in the decay of Po-192 to the oblate and prolate band heads in Pb-188 has been observed. In-beam gamma-ray spectra have been, for the first time, meas…

Combined in-beam electron andγ-ray spectroscopy ofHg184,186

By exploiting the SAGE spectrometer a simultaneous measurement of conversion electrons and {gamma} rays emitted in the de-excitation of excited levels in the neutron-deficient nuclei {sup 184,186}Hg was performed. The light Hg isotopes under investigation were produced using the 4n channels of the fusion-evaporation reactions of {sup 40}Ar and {sup 148,150}Sm. The measured K- and L-conversion electron ratios confirmed the stretched E2 nature of several transitions of the yrast bands in {sup 184,186}Hg. Additional information on the E0 component of the 2{sub 2}{sup +}{yields}2{sub 1}{sup +} transition in {sup 186}Hg was obtained.

Spectroscopy of the neutron-deficient nucleusOs16791

Excited states of the nucleus Os-167 have been populated by the reaction Mo-92(Kr-78,2pn). The JUROGAM gamma-ray detector array has been used in conjunction with the RITU gas-filled separator and the GREAT spectrometer to observe prompt gamma rays in coincidence with recoiling fusion-evaporation residues and their subsequent decay by alpha particle emission. By correlating prompt gamma radiation with the characteristic alpha radioactivity of Os-167, it has been possible to extend the level scheme for this nucleus significantly. In particular, an extension of the yrast band and four previously unobserved bands are reported. In addition, the recoil distance Doppler-shift method was used to de…

Precision measurements of proton emission from the ground states ofTa156andRe160

The decays of the $\ensuremath{\pi}{d}_{3/2}$ ground states of $^{156}\mathrm{Ta}$ and $^{160}\mathrm{Re}$ have been studied in detail using the GREAT spectrometer. More than 7000 $^{160}\mathrm{Re}$ nuclei were produced in reactions of 290- and 300-MeV $^{58}\mathrm{Ni}$ ions with an isotopically enriched $^{106}\mathrm{Cd}$ target and separated in flight using the RITU separator. The proton and $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ decays of the $\ensuremath{\pi}{d}_{3/2}$ level were confirmed and the half-life and branching ratios of this state were determined with improved precision to be ${t}_{1/2}=611\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}7$ $\ensuremath{\mu}$s and ${b}_{\mathrm{p}}=89\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi…

In-beam γ-ray spectroscopy of 190Po: First observation of a low-lying prolate band in Po isotopes

Gamma rays from excited states of 190Po have been observed using the Jurosphere Ge-detector array coupled to the RITU gas-filled separator. They were associated with a collective band which from spin 4 onwards resembles the prolate rotational bands known in the isotones 188Pb and 186Hg. This indicates that in 190Po the prolate configuration becomes yrast above I = 2. The experimental results are interpreted in a two-band mixing calculation and are in agreement with α-decay data and potential energy surface calculations.

New microsecond isomers in 189, 190Bi

New microsecond isomers in the neutron-deficient isotopes 189g, 190Bi have been identified after in-flight separation by the velocity filter SHIP. The evaporation residues were identified on the basis of delayed recoil-γ/X-ray, recoil-γ/X-ray-α and excitation function measurements. The systematics of the [ π1i 13/2]13/2+ excited states in the odd-mass Bi nuclei is discussed.

γ-ray spectroscopy approaching the limits of existence of atomic nuclei: A study of the excited states ofPt168andPt169

Excited states in the $N=90$ and $N=91$ Pt nuclei have been investigated using the JUROGAM and GREAT spectrometers in conjunction with the RITU gas-filled separator. These nuclei were populated via the reactions $^{92}\mathrm{Mo}(^{78}\mathrm{Kr},2n)$ and $^{94}\mathrm{Mo}(^{78}\mathrm{Kr},3n)$ at 335 and 348 MeV, respectively. The recoil-decay tagging technique has been used to correlate prompt $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ radiation with the characteristic $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ decays of $^{168}\mathrm{Pt}$ and $^{169}\mathrm{Pt}$. A $\ensuremath{\gamma}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ analysis has allowed a level scheme for $^{168}\mathrm{Pt}$ to be reported for the first time and the l…

Structure of191Pb from α- and β-decay spectroscopy

International audience; Complementary studies of 191 Pb have been made in the β decay of 191 Bi at LISOL (CRC) and in the α decay of 195 Po at ISOLDE (CERN). Fine structures in the α decay of the low-spin and high-spin isomers of 195 Po have been fully resolved. Identification of the parent state is made possible via isomer selection based on narrowband laser frequency scanning. The α-particle and γ-ray energies have been determined with greater precision. New α-particle and γ-ray energies are identified. Branching ratios in the decay of 195 Po and 191 Pb have been examined. Structure of 191 Pb from α- and β-decay spectroscopy 2 PACS numbers: 23.20.Nx Internal conversion, 23.60.+e α decay, …

Yrast structures in the light Pt isotopes169–173Pt

The exploitation of the recoil-decay tagging (RDT) technique has reinvigorated experimental investigations of the shape coexistence phenomenon in heavy neutron-deficient nuclei. In a recent experiment using the JUROGAM and GREAT spectrometers in conjunction with the RITU gas-filled separator, excited states have been investigated in the light platinum isotopes. In addition to extending the yrast sequences in 170Pt and 172Pt, the first observation of excited states in the odd-N isotopes, 169Pt and 173Pt, is reported. The bands are discussed in terms of trends in level excitation energies as a function of neutron number.

Population of a low-spin positive-parity band from high-spin intruder states in 177Au: The two-state mixing effect

The extremely neutron-deficient isotopes 177,179Au were studied by means of in-beam ?-ray spectroscopy. Specific tagging techniques, ?-decay tagging in 177Au and isomer tagging in 179Au, were used for these studies. Feeding of positive-parity, nearly spherical states, which are associated with 2d3/2 and 3s1/2 proton-hole configurations, from the 1i13/2 proton-intruder configuration was observed in 177Au. Such a decay path has no precedent in odd-Au isotopes and it is explained by the effect of mixing of wave functions of the initial state. © 2020

Neutron excitations in Ba119

First observation of excited states in the neutron deficient nuclei Pt and Pt

Abstract Excited states have been observed for the first time in 168 Pt and 170 Pt using the α -decay recoil-tagging technique. The trend of decreasing deformation moving away from the N =104 mid-shell continues for 170 Pt but the structure of 168 Pt is significantly different. The low spin level energy systematics in 168 – 184 Pt are presented and discussed within the framework of the interacting boson model.

The observation of vibrating pear-shapes in radon nuclei

6 pags., 4 fig.s, 1 tab. -- Open Access funded by Creative Commons Atribution Licence 4.0

The influence of quasineutron configurations on 161Ta and nearby odd-A Nuclei

Several strongly coupled bands in the neutron‐deficient nucleus 161Ta have been identified and quasiparticle configuration assignments have been made on the basis of rotational alignments and cranked shell model calculations. The level scheme elucidated for 161Ta highlights the competition between the ν(h9/2) and ν(i13/2) orbitals to form the yrast spectrum. The band structures in 161Ta also provide new insights into the structural features of other heavy odd‐A nuclei populated with much lower reaction cross sections in this region at the proton drip line.

Probing shapes of very neutron deficientZ≈82 nuclei using the recoil-decay tagging method

The JYFL gas-filled recoil separator, RITU, combined with efficient Ge-detector arrays has been employed in in-beam γ-ray studies of very neutron-deficient nuclei close to theZ=82 shell. Gamma-rays from nuclei produced at the few μb cross-section level have been detected.

Collective excitations in the transitional nuclei 163Re and 165Re

Excited states in the neutron-deficient nuclei 163 75 Re88 and 165 75 Re90 were populated in the 106Cd(60Ni, p2nγ ) and 92Mo(78Kr, 3p2nγ ) fusion-evaporation reactions at bombarding energies of 270 and 380 MeV, respectively. γ rays were detected at the target position using the JUROGAM spectrometer while recoiling ions were separated in-flight by the RITU gas-filled recoil separator and implanted in the GREAT spectrometer. The energy level schemes for 163Re and 165Re were identified using recoil-decay correlation techniques. At low spin, the yrast bands of these isotopes consist of signature partner bands based on a single πh11/2 quasiproton configuration. The bands display large energy spl…