Enhanced Quadrupole and Octupole Strength in Doubly Magic ^{132}Sn.

International audience; The first $2^+$ and $3^-$ states of the doubly magic nucleus $^{132}$Sn are populated via safe Coulomb excitation employing the recently commissioned HIE-ISOLDE accelerator at CERN in conjunction with the highly efficient MINIBALL array. The $^{132}$Sn ions are accelerated to an energy of 5.49  MeV/nucleon and impinged on a $^{206}$Pb target. Deexciting $\gamma$ rays from the low-lying excited states of the target and the projectile are recorded in coincidence with scattered particles. The reduced transition strengths are determined for the transitions $0_{g.s.}^+ \rightarrow 2_1^+$, $0_{g.s.}^+ \rightarrow 3_1^-$, and $2_1^+ \rightarrow 3_1^-$ in $^{132}$Sn. The res…

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…

"Safe" Coulomb excitation of 30Mg.

We report on the first radioactive beam experiment performed at the recently commissioned REX-ISOLDE facility at CERN in conjunction with the highly efficient $\gamma$ -spectrometer MINIBALL. Using $^{30}$Mg ions accelerated to an energy of 2.25MeV/u together with a thin $^{nat}$Ni target, Coulomb excitation of the first excited 2+ states of the projectile and target nuclei well below the Coulomb barrier was observed. From the measured relative de-excitation $\gamma$ -ray yields the B(E2; 0$^{+}_{gs} \rightarrow 2^{+}_{1}$) value of $^{30}$Mg was determined to be 241(31)$e^{2}$fm$^{4}$. Our result is lower than values obtained at projectile fragmenttion facilities using the intermediate-ene…

High-Statistics Sub-Barrier Coulomb Excitation of $^{106,108,110}$Sn

International audience; A Coulomb excitation campaign on $^{106,108,110}$Sn at 4.4–4.5 MeV/u was launched at the HIE-ISOLDE facility at CERN. Larger excitation cross sections and γ-ray statistics were achieved compared to previous experiments at ∼2.8 MeV/u. More precise $(B(E2;0_{1}^{ + } \to 2_{1}^{ + }))$ values, lifetimes of states via the Doppler shift attenuation method, and new $(B(E2;0_{1}^{ + } \to 2_{x}^{ + })), (B(E2;2_{1}^{ + } \to 4_{1}^{ + }))$ and $(Q(2_{1}^{ + }))$ values from the new Miniball data will be obtained and applied to test modern nuclear structure theories.

The neutron-rich Mg isotopes: first results from MINIBALL at REX-ISOLDE

After the successful commissioning of the Radioactive beam EXperiment (REX) at ISOLDE (CERN) in 2002, first physics experiments were performed in 2003 which focussed on the neutron-rich Mg isotopes in the vicinity of the “island of inversion”. After introducing the REX facility and the modern γ spectrometer MINIBALL first preliminary results will be presented showing the high potential and physics opportunities offered by this new radioactive beam facility.

Large Shape Staggering in Neutron-Deficient Bi Isotopes

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…

Precise Determination of the UnperturbedB8Neutrino Spectrum

A measurement of the final state distribution of the B-8 beta decay, obtained by implanting a 8B beam in a double-sided silicon strip detector, is reported here. The present spectrum is consistent with a recent independent precise measurement performed by our collaboration at the IGISOL facility, Jyvaskyla [O. S. Kirsebom et al., Phys. Rev. C 83, 065802 ( 2011)]. It shows discrepancies with previously measured spectra, leading to differences in the derived neutrino spectrum. Thanks to a low detection threshold, the neutrino spectrum is for the first time directly extracted from the measured final state distribution, thus avoiding the uncertainties related to the extrapolation of R-matrix fi…

Beta-decay measurements of neutron-rich thallium, lead, and bismuth by means of resonant laser ionisation

Abstract Neutron-rich thallium, lead, and bismuth isotopes were investigated at the ISOLDE facility. After mass separation and resonant laser ionisation of the produced activity, new spectroscopic data were obtained for 215,218 Bi and 215 Pb. An attempt to reach heavy thallium had to be abandoned because of a strong francium component in the beam that gave rise to a neutron background through (α,n) reactions on the aluminium walls of the experimental chamber.

Beta decay of neutron-rich cobalt and nickel isotopes

We report on the first β-γ spectroscopy measurements of the neutron-rich 68–70Co and 70–74Ni nuclei, produced in proton-induced fission of 238U and ionized in a laser ion guide coupled to an on-line mass separator. Several γ lines from the decay of these nuclei have been identified, half-lives determined and production cross sections deduced. The derived level schemes for the copper and nickel isotopes show that the occupation of the ν(1g9/2) state has a strong influence on the structure of these neutron-rich nuclei. This may have a clear impact on the predicted structure and decay properties of doubly-magic 78Ni.

Deformation and mixing of coexisting shapes in neutron-deficient polonium isotopes

Coulomb-excitation experiments are performed with postaccelerated beams of neutron-deficient Po196,198,200,202 isotopes at the REX-ISOLDE facility. A set of matrix elements, coupling the low-lying states in these isotopes, is extracted. In the two heaviest isotopes, Po200,202, the transitional and diagonal matrix elements of the 2+1 state are determined. In Po196,198 multistep Coulomb excitation is observed, populating the 4+1,0+2, and 2+2 states. The experimental results are compared to the results from the measurement of mean-square charge radii in polonium isotopes, confirming the onset of deformation from Po196 onwards. Three model descriptions are used to compare to the data. Calculati…

Structure of low-lying states in 140Sm studied by Coulomb excitation

The electromagnetic structure of 140Sm was studied in a low-energy Coulomb excitation experiment with a radioactive ion beam from the REX-ISOLDE facility at CERN. The 2+ and 4+ states of the ground-state band and a second 2+ state were populated by multistep excitation. The analysis of the differential Coulomb excitation cross sections yielded reduced transition probabilities between all observed states and the spectroscopic quadrupole moment for the 2+ 1 state. The experimental results are compared to large-scale shell model calculations and beyond-mean-field calculations based on the Gogny D1S interaction with a five-dimensional collective Hamiltonian formalism. Simpler geometric and alge…

Microscopic structure of coexisting $0^+$ states in $^{68}$Ni probed via two-neutron transfer

© 2019 authors. Published by the American Physical Society. Published by the American Physical Society under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license. Further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the published article's title, journal citation, and DOI. The structure of low-spin states originating from shape-coexisting configurations in Ni284068 was directly probed via the two-neutron transfer reaction Ni66(t,p)Ni68 in inverse kinematics using a radioactive ion beam on a radioactive target. The direct feeding to the first excited 0+ state was measured for center-of-mass angles 4-16 and amounts to an integral of 4.2(16)% rela…

Laser Spectroscopy of Neutron-Rich Hg207,208 Isotopes: Illuminating the Kink and Odd-Even Staggering in Charge Radii across the N=126 Shell Closure

The mean-square charge radii of $^{207,208}$Hg ($Z=80, N=127,128$) have been studied for the first time and those of $^{202,203,206}$Hg ($N=122,123,126$) remeasured by the application of in-source resonance-ionization laser spectroscopy at ISOLDE (CERN). The characteristic \textit{kink} in the charge radii at the $N=126$ neutron shell closure has been revealed, providing the first information on its behavior below the $Z=82$ proton shell closure. A theoretical analysis has been performed within relativistic Hartree-Bogoliubov and non-relativistic Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov approaches, considering both the new mercury results and existing lead data. Contrary to previous interpretations, it is d…

On-line yields obtained with the ISOLDE RILIS

The ISOLDE resonance ionization laser ion source (RILIS) allows to ionize efficiently and selectively many metallic elements. In recent yield surveys and on-line experiments with the ISOLDE RILIS we observed 23–34 Mg, 26–34 Al, 98–132 Cd, 149 Tb, 155–177 Yb, 179–200 Tl, 183–215 Pb and 188–218 Bi. The obtained yields are presented together with measured release parameters which allow to extrapolate the release efficiency towards more exotic (short-lived) nuclides of the same elements. 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Single-neutron orbits near Ni-78: Spectroscopy of the N=49 isotope Zn-79

5 pags., 6 figs.

Probing Sizes and Shapes of Nobelium Isotopes by Laser Spectroscopy

Until recently, ground-state nuclear moments of the heaviest nuclei could only be inferred from nuclear spectroscopy, where model assumptions are required. Laser spectroscopy in combination with modern atomic structure calculations is now able to probe these moments directly, in a comprehensive and nuclear-model-independent way. Here we report on unique access to the differential mean-square charge radii of ^{252,253,254}No, and therefore to changes in nuclear size and shape. State-of-the-art nuclear density functional calculations describe well the changes in nuclear charge radii in the region of the heavy actinides, indicating an appreciable central depression in the deformed proton densi…

Shape Coexistence in the Neutron-Deficient Even-EvenHg182−188Isotopes 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 Hg-182; 184. The results are compared to beyond mean field and interacting-boson based models and i…

New ß-decaying state in 214Bi

Early onset of deformation in the neutron-deficient polonium isotopes

In-source laser spectroscopy has been performed at CERN-ISOLDE with the RILIS laser ion source on Po-191-204,Po-206,Po-208-211,Po-216,Po-218. New information on the beta decay of Po-199 were extracted in the process, challenging previous results. Large-scale atomic calculations were performed to extract the changes in the mean-square charge radius delta from the isotope shifts. The delta for the even-A isotopes reveal a large deviation from the spherical droplet model for N < 116.

Laser Spectroscopy of Neutron-Rich $^{207,208}$Hg Isotopes: Illuminating the Kink and Odd-Even Staggering in Charge Radii across the $N=126$ Shell Closure

The mean-square charge radii of $^{207,208}$Hg ($Z=80, N=127,128$) have been studied for the first time and those of $^{202,203,206}$Hg ($N=122,123,126$) remeasured by the application of in-source resonance-ionization laser spectroscopy at ISOLDE (CERN). The characteristic \textit{kink} in the charge radii at the $N=126$ neutron shell closure has been revealed, providing the first information on its behavior below the $Z=82$ proton shell closure. A theoretical analysis has been performed within relativistic Hartree-Bogoliubov and non-relativistic Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov approaches, considering both the new mercury results and existing lead data. Contrary to previous interpretations, it is d…

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.

New developments of the in-source spectroscopy method at RILIS/ISOLDE

At the CERN ISOLDE facility, long isotope chains of many elements are produced by proton-induced reactions in target materials such as uranium carbide. The Resonance Ionization Laser Ion Source (RILIS) is an efficient and selective means of ionizing the reaction products to produce an ion beam of a chosen isotope. Coupling the RILIS with modern ion detection techniques enables highly sensitive studies of nuclear properties (spins, electromagnetic moments and charge radii) along an isotope chain, provided that the isotope shifts and hyperfine structure splitting of the atomic transitions can be resolved. At ISOLDE the campaign to measure the systematics of isotopes in the lead region (Pb, Bi…

Shape dynamics in neutron-rich Kr isotopes: Coulomb excitation of 92Kr, 94Kr and 96Kr

We report on the study of excited states in 92,94,96Kr populated via projectile Coulomb excitation at safe energies. The radioactive ion beams at energies of 2.85 MeV/u were delivered by the REX-ISOLDE facility at CERN and impinged on self-supporting 194,196Pt targets. The emitted γ -rays were detected by the Miniball detector-array. A detailed description of the experimental techniques used for extracting diagonal and transitional matrix elements and of the theoretical framework is given. The present experiment reveals the moderate evolution of the collective structure in the considered neutron-rich Kr isotopic chain, which is supported by the interacting boson model combined with the self…

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…

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 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-…

Collective 2$^{+1}$ excitations in$^{206}$Po and$^{208,210}$Rn

In the present study, $B(E2; 2^{+}_{1}\rightarrow 0^{+}_{1})$ values have been measured in the 208,210Rn and 206Po nuclei through Coulomb excitation of re-accelerated radioactive beams in inverse kinematics at CERN-ISOLDE. These nuclei have been proposed to lie in, or at the boundary of the region where the seniority scheme should persist. However, contributions from collective excitations are likely to be present when moving away from the N=126 closed shell. Such an effect is confirmed by the observed increased collectivity of the $2^{+}_{1}\rightarrow 0^{+}_{1}$ transitions. Experimental results have been interpreted with the aid of theoretical studies carried out within the BCS-based QRP…

β-delayed fission andαdecay ofAt196

A nuclear-decay spectroscopy study of the neutron-deficient isotope $^{196}\mathrm{At}$ is reported where an isotopically pure beam was produced using the selective Resonance Ionization Laser Ion Source and On-Line Isotope Mass Separator (CERN). The fine-structure $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ decay of $^{196}\mathrm{At}$ allowed the low-energy excited states in the daughter nucleus $^{192}\mathrm{Bi}$ to be investigated. A $\ensuremath{\beta}$-delayed fission study of $^{196}\mathrm{At}$ was also performed. A mixture of symmetric and asymmetric fission-fragment mass distributions of the daughter isotope $^{196}\mathrm{Po}$ (populated by $\ensuremath{\beta}$ decay of $^{196}\mathrm{At}$) was deduce…

Measurement of the first ionization potential of astatine by laser ionization spectroscopy

The radioactive element astatine exists only in trace amounts in nature. Its properties can therefore only be explored by study of the minute quantities of artificially produced isotopes or by performing theoretical calculations. One of the most important properties influencing the chemical behaviour is the energy required to remove one electron from the valence shell, referred to as the ionization potential. Here we use laser spectroscopy to probe the optical spectrum of astatine near the ionization threshold. The observed series of Rydberg states enabled the first determination of the ionization potential of the astatine atom, 9.31751(8) eV. New ab initio calculations are performed to sup…

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

In-beam andα-decay spectroscopy of191Poand evidence for triple shape coexistence at low energy in the daughter nucleus187Pb

Prompt gamma rays have been observed for the first time from the neutron-deficient nucleus Po-191 using the recoil-decay tagging technique at the RITU gas-filled separator. In addition improved alp ...

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…

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

9 pags., 12 figs., 3 tabs.

A gas-jet apparatus for high-resolution laser spectroscopy on the heaviest elements at SHIP

© 2019 Elsevier B.V. Laser spectroscopy enables the determination of fundamental atomic and nuclear properties with high precision. In view of the low production rates of the heaviest elements, a high total efficiency is a crucial requirement for any experimental setup to be used in on-line experiments. The setup requires the use of gas stopping techniques to slow down the radionuclides of interest. In previous studies laser spectroscopy was performed inside a gas-filled stopping cell with a limited spectral resolution of a few GHz. Collisional broadening inside stopping cells ultimately limits the precision of laser spectroscopic studies and hampers in particular hyperfine spectroscopy. Th…

Changes in mean-squared charge radii and magnetic moments of $^{179–184}$Tl measured by in-source laser spectroscopy

Hyperfine structure and isotope shifts have been measured for the ground and isomeric states in the neutron-deficient isotopes 179–184Tl using the 276.9-nm transition. The experiment has been performed at the CERN-Isotope Separator On-Line facility using the in-source resonance-ionization laser spectroscopy technique. Spins for the ground states in 179,181,183Tl have been determined as I=1/2. Magnetic moments and changes in the nuclear mean-square charge radii have been deduced. By applying the additivity relation for magnetic moments of the odd-odd Tl nuclei the leading configuration assignments were confirmed. A deviation of magnetic moments for isomeric states in 182,184Tl from the trend…

Energy and range focusing of in-flight separated exotic nuclei – A study for the energy-buncher stage of the low-energy branch of the Super-FRS

Abstract The relative momentum spread of in-flight separated exotic nuclear beams produced in fragmentation and/or fission reactions is of the order of a few percent. A new technique is presented, which reduces the momentum spread significantly, and first experimental results obtained with relativistic projectile fragments are shown. This technique is the key to experiments with slowed-down and stopped beams, in particular for the efficient stopping of relativistic exotic nuclei in gas-filled stopping cells. It will be employed at the energy-buncher stage of the low-energy branch of the Super-FRS facility. The ion-optical design of the energy buncher is presented and a brief outlook to the …

New β-decaying state in 214Bi

A new β-decaying state in 214Bi has been identified at the ISOLDE Decay Station at the CERN-ISOLDE facility. A preferred Iπ = (8−) assignment was suggested for this state based on the β-decay feeding pattern to levels in 214Po and shell-model calculations. The half-life of the Iπ = (8−) state was deduced to be T1/2 = 9.39(10) min. The deexcitation of the levels populated in 214Po by the β decay of this state was investigated via γ -γ coincidences and a number of new levels and transitions was identified. Shell-model calculations for excited states in 214Bi and 214Po were performed using two different effective interactions: the H208 and the modified Kuo-Herling particle interaction. Both ca…

Coulomb excitation of re-accelerated 208Rn and 206Po beams

In the present study, B( E2; 2(+)-> 0(+) ) values have been measured in the Rn-208 and Po-206 nuclei through Coulomb excitation of re-accelerated radioactive beams in inverse kinematics at CERN-ISOLDE. The resulting B(E2; 2(+)-> 0(+)) in 208Rn is similar to 0.08 e(2)b(2). These nuclei lie in, or at the boundary of the region where seniority scheme should persist. However, contributions from collective excitations may be present when moving away from the N = 126 shell closure. To date, surprisingly little is known of the transition probabilities between the low-spin states in this region.

“Safe” Coulomb Excitation ofMg30

We report on the first radioactive beam experiment performed at the recently commissioned REX-ISOLDE facility at CERN in conjunction with the highly efficient γ spectrometer MINIBALL. Using Mg-30 ions accelerated to an energy of 2.25 MeV/u together with a thin Ni-nat target, Coulomb excitation of the first excited 2(+) states of the projectile and target nuclei well below the Coulomb barrier was observed. From the measured relative deexcitation γ-ray yields the B(E2;0(gs)(+)R 2(1)(+)) value of Mg-30 was determined to be 241(31)e(2) fm(4). Our result is lower than values obtained at projectile fragmentation facilities using the intermediate-energy Coulomb excitation method, and confirms the …

Evidence for a Smooth Onset of Deformation in the Neutron-Rich Kr Isotopes

The neutron-rich nuclei Kr94,96 were studied via projectile Coulomb excitation at the REX-ISOLDE facility at CERN. Level energies of the first excited 2 + states and their absolute E2 transition strengths to the ground state are determined and discussed in the context of the E(21+) and B(E2;21+→01+) systematics of the krypton chain. Contrary to previously published results no sudden onset of deformation is observed. This experimental result is supported by a new proton-neutron interacting boson model calculation based on the constrained Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov approach using the microscopic Gogny-D1M energy density functional. © 2012 American Physical Society.

Sub-Barrier Coulomb Excitation ofSn110and Its Implications for theSn100Shell Closure

The first excited 2(+) state of the unstable isotope Sn-110 has been studied in safe Coulomb excitation at 2.82 MeV/u using the MINIBALL array at the REX-ISOLDE post accelerator at CERN. This is the first measurement of the reduced transition probability of this state using this method for a neutron deficient Sn isotope. The strength of the approach lies in the excellent peak-to-background ratio that is achieved. The extracted reduced transition probability, B(E2 : 0(+) -> 2(+)) 0.220 +/- 0.022e(2) b(2), strengthens the observation of the evolution of the B(E2) values of neutron deficient Sn isotopes that was observed recently in intermediate-energy Coulomb excitation of Sn-108. It implies …

Testing refined shell-model interactions in thesdshell: Coulomb excitation ofNa26

Background: Shell-model calculations crucially depend on the residual interaction used to approximate the nucleon-nucleon interaction. Recent improvements to the empirical universal $sd$ interaction (USD) describing nuclei within the $sd$ shell yielded two new interactions---USDA and USDB---causing changes in the theoretical description of these nuclei.Purpose: Transition matrix elements between excited states provide an excellent probe to examine the underlying shell structure. These observables provide a stringent test for the newly derived interactions. The nucleus $^{26}\mathrm{Na}$ with 7 valence neutrons and 3 valence protons outside the doubly-magic ${}^{16}\mathrm{O}$ core is used a…

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…

Erratum: Evidence for a Smooth Onset of Deformation in the Neutron-Rich Kr Isotopes [Phys. Rev. Lett.108, 062701 (2012)]

Charge radii, moments, and masses of mercury isotopes across the N=126 shell closure

Combining laser spectroscopy in a Versatile Arc Discharge and Laser Ion Source, with Penning-trap mass spectrometry at the CERN-ISOLDE facility, this work reports on mean-square charge radii of neutron-rich mercury isotopes across the $N = 126$ shell closure, the electromagnetic moments of $^{207}$Hg and more precise mass values of $^{206-208}$Hg. The odd-even staggering (OES) of the mean square charge radii and the kink at $N = 126$ are analyzed within the framework of covariant density functional theory (CDFT), with comparisons between different functionals to investigate the dependence of the results on the underlying single-particle structure. The observed features are defined predomina…

Evolution of deformation in neutron-rich Ba isotopes up to A=150

12 pags., 11 figs., 3 tabs. -- Open Access funded by Creative Commons Atribution Licence 4.0

Coulomb Excitation of Neutron-Rich Zn Isotopes: First Observation of the21+State inZn80

Neutron-rich, radioactive Zn isotopes were investigated at the Radioactive Ion Beam facility REX-ISOLDE (CERN) using low-energy Coulomb excitation. The energy of the 2(1)+ state in 78Zn could be firmly established and for the first time the 2+ --> 0(1)+ transition in 80Zn was observed at 1492(1) keV. B(E2,2(1)+ --> 0(1)+) values were extracted for (74,76,78,80)Zn and compared to large scale shell model calculations. With only two protons outside the Z=28 proton core, 80Zn is the lightest N=50 isotone for which spectroscopic information has been obtained to date. Two sets of advanced shell model calculations reproduce the observed B(E2) systematics. The results for N=50 isotones indicate a g…

Shape staggering of midshell mercury isotopes from in-source laser spectroscopy compared with density-functional-theory and Monte Carlo shell-model calculations

Neutron-deficient Hg177-185 isotopes were studied using in-source laser resonance-ionization spectroscopy at the CERN-ISOLDE radioactive ion-beam facility in an experiment combining different detection methods tailored to the studied isotopes. These include either α-decay tagging or multireflection time-of-flight gating for isotope identification. The endpoint of the odd-even nuclear shape staggering in mercury was observed directly by measuring for the first time the isotope shifts and hyperfine structures of Hg177-180. Changes in the mean-square charge radii for all mentioned isotopes, magnetic dipole, and electric quadrupole moments of the odd-A isotopes and arguments in favor of I=7/2 s…

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

The neutron-deficient mercury isotopes, $^{184,186}$Hg, were studied with the Recoil Distance Doppler Shift (RDDS) method using the Gammasphere array and the K\"oln Plunger device. The Differential Decay Curve Method (DDCM) 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. $B(E2)$ values are calculated and compared to a two-state mixing model which utilizes the variable moment of inertia (VMI) model, allowing for extraction of spin-dependent mixing strengths and amplitudes.

R-matrix analysis of theβdecays ofN12andB12

The β decays of 12N and 12B have been studied at KVI and JYFL to resolve the composition of the broad and interfering 0+ and 2+ strengths in the triple-α continuum. For the first time a complete treatment of 3α decay is presented including all major breakup channels. A multilevel, many-channel R-matrix formalism has been developed for the complete description of the breakup in combination with the recently published separate analysis of angular correlations. We find that, in addition to the Hoyle state at 7.65 MeV, more than one 0+ and 2+ state is needed to reproduce the spectra. Broad 03+ and 22+ states are found between 10.5 and 12 MeV in this work. The presence of β strength up to the 12…

Performance of Dye and Ti:sapphire laser systems for laser ionization and spectroscopy studies at S3

The novel and sensitive In-Gas Laser Ionization Spectroscopy (IGLIS) technique enables high-precision laser spectroscopy of the heaviest elements and isotopes very far from stability that are produced in fusion-evaporation reactions at in-flight separators. Powerful and dedicated laser systems are required in these facilities to realize in-gas jet laser spectroscopy with optimal spectral resolution and efficiency. The performance with respect to the requirements for IGLIS studies at the low energy front-end of the Super Separator Spectrometer (S3) at GANIL, France, of Dye and Ti:sapphire laser systems is investigated. In addition, a number of specific experimental cases on key isotopes of t…

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…

Collectivity in the light radon nuclei measured directly via Coulomb excitation

Background: Shape coexistence in heavy nuclei poses a strong challenge to state-of-the-art nuclear models, where several competing shape minima are found close to the ground state. A classic region for investigating this phenomenon is in the region around Z=82 and the neutron midshell at N=104. Purpose: Evidence for shape coexistence has been inferred from α-decay measurements, laser spectroscopy, and in-beam measurements. While the latter allow the pattern of excited states and rotational band structures to be mapped out, a detailed understanding of shape coexistence can only come from measurements of electromagnetic matrix elements. Method: Secondary, radioactive ion beams of Rn202 and Rn…

Beta-delayed fission of 186, 188Bi isotopes

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

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.

Beta-decay half-lives of $^{70}$Kr and $^{74}$Rb

Abstract Beta-decay half-lives of two nuclei close to N = Z line, 70 Kr and 74 Rb, have been measured at the ISOLDE mass-separator facility at CERN. Importance of these half-lives on two ingredients explaining existence and development of the Universe, the astrophysical nucleosynthesis and the Standard Model, are discussed.

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…

Investigation of the Li9+H2→Li8+t reaction at REX-ISOLDE

The one-neutron transfer reaction Li-9 + H-2 -> Li-8 + t has been investigated in an inverse kinematics experiment by bombarding a deuterated polypropylene target with a 2.36 MeV/u Li-9 beam from the post-accelerator REX-ISOLDE at CERN. Excitation energies in Li-8 as well as angular distributions of the tritons were obtained and spectroscopic factors deduced. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Characterization of Supersonic Gas Jets for High-Resolution Laser Ionization Spectroscopy of Heavy Elements

© 2018 authors. Published by the American Physical Society. Published by the American Physical Society under the terms of the »https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/» Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license. Further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the published article's title, journal citation, and DOI. The method of laser spectroscopy in supersonic gas jets was proposed for high-resolution and high-efficiency in-gas laser ionization and spectroscopy studies of short-lived nuclei. The flow properties of such supersonic gas jets have been characterized under off-line conditions. Planar laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy of s…

Enhancing the extraction of laser-ionized beams from an arc discharge ion source volume

© 2018 The Author(s) The Versatile Arc Discharge and Laser Ion Source (VADLIS) is a recently established ion source for the CERN-ISOLDE radioactive ion beam facility. It offers either electron-impact ionization (VADIS-mode) or resonance laser ionization (RILIS-mode). The choice of operating mode depends on the element of interest or the required beam purity. Particle-in-cell simulations using the VSim software show that the ion extraction efficiency of the VADLIS in RILIS-mode can be improved if it is equipped with an insulated extractor plate, to which an optimal voltage can be applied. This enables optimization of the RILIS-mode ion extraction independently of the electron density. Experi…

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

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…

Corrigendum to: “Shape dynamics in neutron-rich Kr isotopes: Coulomb excitation of 92Kr, 94Kr and 96Kr” [Nucl. Phys. A 899 (2013) 1–28]

Single-Neutron States inS133n

The location of several single-neutron states in ${}^{133}\mathrm{Sn}$ has been identified. The ${p}_{3/2}$, ${h}_{9/2}$, and ${f}_{5/2}$ states were found at 853.7, 1560.9, and 2004.6 keV, respectively, by measuring $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays in coincidence with delayed neutrons following the decay of ${}^{134}\mathrm{In}$. Crucial for obtaining the new data were the improved yields at the mass-separator facility ISOLDE-PSB at CERN. A semiempirically adjusted Woods-Saxon calculation, based on parameters from the Pb region and normalized on the mass data at ${}^{132}\mathrm{Sn}$, reproduces the new single particle energies with good precision.

Production of radioactive Ag ion beams with a chemically selective laser ion source

Abstract We have developed a chemically selective laser ion source at the CERN-ISOLDE facility in order to study neutron-rich Ag nuclides. A pulsed laser system with high repetition rate has been used based on high-power coppe-vapour pump lasers and dye lasers. With this source significant reductions of the isobaric background has been achieved.

Determination of the B(E3, 0+ → 3−)-excitation strength in octupole-correlated nuclei near A ≈224 by the means of Coulomb excitation at REX-ISOLDE

The IS475 collaboration conducted Coulomb-excitation experiments with postaccelerated radioactive 220Rn and 224Ra beams at the REX-ISOLDE facility. The beam particles (Ebeam ≈ 2.83 MeV/u) were Coulomb excited using 60Ni, 114Cd, and 120Sn scattering targets. De-excitation γ-rays were detected employing the Miniball array and scattered particles were detected in a silicon detector. Exploiting the Coulomb-excitation code GOSIA for each nucleus several matrix elements could be obtained from the measured γ-ray yields. The extracted 3−||Ê3||0+ matrix element allows for the conclusion that, while 220Rn represents an octupole vibrational system, 224Ra has already substantial octupole correlations i…

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…

Magicity of theN68iSemidouble-Closed-Shell Nucleus Probed by Gamow-Teller Decay of the Odd-ANeighbors

The particle-hole excitations through the $N\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}40$ subshell around ${}^{68}\mathrm{Ni}$ have been studied by the $\ensuremath{\beta}$ decay of ${}^{69}\mathrm{Co}$ and ${}^{69}\mathrm{Ni}$. The half-life of ${}^{69}\mathrm{Co}$ was measured to be 0.22(2) s, and a new $\ensuremath{\beta}$-decaying isomer with a half-life of 3.5(5) s was identified in ${}^{69}\mathrm{Ni}$. From the decay of the ${}^{69}\mathrm{Ni}$ isomer a 9(4)% mixing of the $\ensuremath{\pi}{p}_{3/2}^{+1}\ensuremath{\nu}{p}_{1/2}^{\ensuremath{-}2}\ensuremath{\nu}{g}_{9/2}^{+2}$ configuration into the ground state of ${}^{69}\mathrm{Cu}$ can be deduced. Significant polarizatio…

Single-neutron orbits near 78 Ni: Spectroscopy of theN=49isotope 79 Zn

Single-neutron states in the Z=30, N=49isotope 79Zn have been populated using the 78Zn(d,p)79Zn transfer reaction at REX-ISOLDE, CERN. The experimental setup allowed the combined detection of protons ejected in the reaction, and of γrays emitted by 79Zn. The analysis reveals that the lowest excited states populated in the reaction lie at approximately 1MeV of excitation, and involve neutron orbits above the N=50shell gap. From the analysis of γ-ray data and of proton angular distributions, characteristic of the amount of angular momentum transferred, a5/2+configuration was assigned to a state at 983keV. Comparison with large-scale-shell-model calculations supports a robust neutron N=50shell…

Change in structure between the $I = 1/2$ states in $^{181}$Tl and $^{177,179}$Au

Abstract The first accurate measurements of the α-decay branching ratio and half-life of the I π = 1 / 2 + ground state in 181Tl have been made, along with the first determination of the magnetic moments and I = 1 / 2 spin assignments of the ground states in 177,179Au. The results are discussed within the complementary systematics of the reduced α-decay widths and nuclear g factors of low-lying, I π = 1 / 2 + states in the neutron-deficient lead region. The findings shed light on the unexpected hindrance of the 1 / 2 + → 1 / 2 + , 181Tl → g 177 Aug α decay, which is explained by a mixing of π 3 s 1 / 2 and π 2 d 3 / 2 configurations in 177Aug, whilst 181Tlg remains a near-pure π 3 s 1 / 2 .…

Towards high-resolution laser ionization spectroscopy of the heaviest elements in supersonic gas jet expansion

Resonant laser ionization and spectroscopy are widely used techniques at radioactive ion beam facilities to produce pure beams of exotic nuclei and measure the shape, size, spin and electromagnetic multipole moments of these nuclei. However, in such measurements it is difficult to combine a high efficiency with a high spectral resolution. Here we demonstrate the on-line application of atomic laser ionization spectroscopy in a supersonic gas jet, a technique suited for high-precision studies of the ground- and isomeric-state properties of nuclei located at the extremes of stability. The technique is characterized in a measurement on actinium isotopes around the N=126 neutron shell closure. A…

β decay of67Co

The \ensuremath{\beta}-decay properties of ${}^{67}\mathrm{Co}$ produced in proton-induced fission of ${}^{238}\mathrm{U}$ were measured by the detection of \ensuremath{\beta}-delayed \ensuremath{\gamma} rays emitted from an isotopically pure mass-separated source obtained by laser ionization. The measured half-life of 0.425(20) s is more accurate than previous values. New \ensuremath{\gamma} transitions were observed, and corresponding branching ratios and $\mathrm{log}\mathrm{ft}$ values were deduced. The ${}^{67}\mathrm{Co}$ decay scheme is discussed in terms of the single-particle shell model.

Pairing-excitation versus intruder states inNi68andZr90

A discussion on the nature of the 0{sup +} states in {sup 68}Ni (Z=28, N=40) is presented and a comparison is made with its valence counterpart {sup 90}Zr (Z=40, N=50). Evidence is given for a 0{sup +} proton-intruder state at only {approx}2.2-MeV excitation energy in {sup 68}Ni, while the analogous neutron-intruder states in {sup 90}Zr reside at 4126 and 5441 keV. The application of a shell-model description of 0{sup +} intruder states reveals that many pair-scattered neutrons across N=40 have to be involved to explain the low excitation energy of the proton-intruder configuration in {sup 68}Ni.

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…

β−decay of the neutron-rich isotope215Pb

This Brief Report reports on the first observation of the β--delayed γ decay of 215Pb, feeding states in 215Bi. The 215Pb beam was produced using resonant laser ionization and mass separated at the ISOLDE-CERN on-line mass separator. This ensured clean identification of the γ rays as belonging to the decay of 215Pb or its β-decay daughters. A half-life of 147(12) s was measured for the 215Pb β decay and a level scheme for the daughter nucleus 215Bi is proposed, resulting in an extended systematics of the excited states of the neutron-rich Bi isotopes.

β-decay half-life of70Kr: A bridge nuclide for therpprocess beyondA=70

The -decay half-life of 70 Kr has been measured for the first time at the ISOLDE PSB Facility at CERN. Mass separated 70 Kr ions were produced by 1 GeV proton induced spallation reactions in a Nb foil. The measured half-life is 57(21) ms. This value is consistent with the half-life calculated assuming a pure Fermi decay, but is clearly lower than the value used in a recent rp-process reaction flow calculation. The result shows that the reaction flow via two-proton-capture of 68 Se is 2.5 times faster than previously calculated assuming an astrophysical temperature of 1.5 GK and a density of 10 6 g/cm 3 .

Precision Measurement of the First Ionization Potential of Nobelium

One of the most important atomic properties governing an element's chemical behavior is the energy required to remove its least-bound electron, referred to as the first ionization potential. For the heaviest elements, this fundamental quantity is strongly influenced by relativistic effects which lead to unique chemical properties. Laser spectroscopy on an atom-at-a-time scale was developed and applied to probe the optical spectrum of neutral nobelium near the ionization threshold. The first ionization potential of nobelium is determined here with a very high precision from the convergence of measured Rydberg series to be 6.626 21±0.000 05  eV. This work provides a stringent benchmark for st…

Identification of low-lying proton-based intruder states in189–193Pb

Low-lying proton-based intruder states have been observed in the odd-mass isotopes Pb-189,Pb-191,Pb-193 in experiments at the RITU gas-filled recoil separator. The identification has been performed ...

Laser resonance ionization spectroscopy on lutetium for the MEDICIS project

The MEDICIS-PROMED Innovative Training Network under the Horizon 2020 EU program aims to establish a network of early stage researchers, involving scientific exchange and active cooperation between leading European research institutions, universities, hospitals, and industry. Primary scientific goal is the purpose of providing and testing novel radioisotopes for nuclear medical imaging and radionuclide therapy. Within a closely linked project at CERN, a dedicated electromagnetic mass separator system is presently under installation for production of innovative radiopharmaceutical isotopes at the new CERN-MEDICIS laboratory, directly adjacent to the existing CERN-ISOLDE radioactive ion beam …

The β-decay approach for studying 12C

6 pags., 3 figs. -- 9th International Conference on Clustering Aspects of Nuclear Structure and Dynamics (CLUSTERS'07) 3–7 September 2007, Stratford upon Avon, UK

First β-decay spectroscopy of $^{135}$In and new $β$-decay branches of $^{134}$In

International audience; The $\beta$ decay of the neutron-rich $^{134}$In and $^{135}$In was investigated experimentally in order to provide new insights into the nuclear structure of the tin isotopes with magic proton number $Z=50$ above the $N=82$ shell. The $\beta$-delayed $\gamma$-ray spectroscopy measurement was performed at the ISOLDE facility at CERN, where indium isotopes were selectively laser-ionized and on-line mass separated. Three $\beta$-decay branches of $^{134}$In were established, two of which were observed for the first time. Population of neutron-unbound states decaying via $\gamma$ rays was identified in the two daughter nuclei of $^{134}$In, $^{134}$Sn and $^{133}$Sn, at…

Status of REX-ISOLDE

REX-ISOLDE [1] is a post-accelerator situated at the ISOLDE radioactive ion beam facility placed at CERN, Geneva. It’s main aim is to increase the energy of light (A < 50) radioactive ions from 60 keV to 0.8–2.2MeV/u. REX—ISOLDE uses a new concept of post-acceleration of radioactive ion beams by using charge breeding of the ions in a high charge state ion source and the efficient acceleration of the highly charged ions in a short LINAC using modern ion accelerator structures. In a first step the radioactive ions are captured in a large gas-filled Penning trap. The task is to accumulate, cool and bunch the beam and prepare it for the injection into an electron beam ion source (EBIS). Cooling…

Beta Decay of68–74Niand Level Structure of Neutron-Rich Cu Isotopes

The isotopes ${}^{68--74}\mathrm{Ni}$, of interest both for nuclear physics and astrophysics, have been produced in proton-induced fission of ${}^{238}\mathrm{U}$ and ionized in a laser ion guide coupled to an on-line mass separator. Their $\ensuremath{\beta}$ decay was studied by means of $\ensuremath{\beta}$- $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ and $\ensuremath{\gamma}$- $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ spectroscopy. Half-lives have been determined and production cross sections extracted. A partial level scheme is presented for ${}^{73}\mathrm{Cu}$ and additional levels for ${}^{71}\mathrm{Cu}$, providing evidence for a sharply lowered position of the $\ensuremath{\pi}{1f}_{5/2}$ orbital as occupancy of the $\ens…

The structure of low-lying states in ${}^{140}$Sm studied by Coulomb excitation

The electromagnetic structure of $^{140}$Sm was studied in a low-energy Coulomb excitation experiment with a radioactive ion beam from the REX-ISOLDE facility at CERN. The $2^+$ and $4^+$ states of the ground-state band and a second $2^+$ state were populated by multi-step excitation. The analysis of the differential Coulomb excitation cross sections yielded reduced transition probabilities between all observed states and the spectroscopic quadrupole moment for the $2_1^+$ state. The experimental results are compared to large-scale shell model calculations and beyond-mean-field calculations based on the Gogny D1S interaction with a five-dimensional collective Hamiltonian formalism. Simpler …

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…

Testing refined shell-model interactions in the sd shell: Coulomb excitation of 26Na

Background: Shell-model calculations crucially depend on the residual interaction used to approximate the nucleon-nucleon interaction. Recent improvements to the empirical universal sd interaction (USD) describing nuclei within the sd shell yielded two new interactions—USDA and USDB—causing changes in the theoretical description of these nuclei. Purpose: Transitionmatrix elements between excited states provide an excellent probe to examine the underlying shell structure. These observables provide a stringent test for the newly derived interactions. The nucleus 26Na with 7 valence neutrons and 3 valence protons outside the doubly-magic 16O core is used as a test case. Method: A radioactive b…

Beta decay of neutron-rich Co: Probing single-particle states at and above the N=40 subshell closure

Neutron-rich Co nuclei with A=66–70 were produced by the laser-ionization isotope-separation on-line method. The β decay from these nuclei has been studied. A case example is given by reporting on the observed decay scheme of 68Co. The half life of the ground-state decay of this nucleus was measured to be 0.21(3) seconds. In addition, a new β decaying isomer half life of 1.16(25) seconds was discovered. The level scheme of 68Ni has been significantly extended, and an interpretation of the observed levels is made by assuming that the N=40 gap has the characteristics of a shell closure.

Performance of a high repetition pulse rate laser system for in-gas-jet laser ionization studies with the Leuven laser ion source @ LISOL

The Leuven Isotope Separator On-Line (LISOL) facility at the Cyclotron Research Center (CRC) Louvain-la-Neuve; The laser ionization efficiency of the Leuven gas cell-based laser ion source was investigated under on- and off-line conditions using two distinctly different laser setups: a low-repetition rate dye laser system and a high-repetition rate Ti:sapphire laser system. A systematic study of the ion signal dependence on repetition rate and laser pulse energy was performed in off-line tests using stable cobalt and copper isotopes. These studies also included in-gas-jet laser spectroscopy measurements on the hyperfine structure of 63Cu. A final run under on-line conditions in which the ra…

The Miniball spectrometer

The Miniball germanium detector array has been operational at the REX (Radioactive ion beam EXperiment) post accelerator at the Isotope Separator On-Line facility ISOLDE at CERN since 2001. During the last decade, a series of successful Coulomb excitation and transfer reaction studies have been performed with this array, utilizing the unique and high-quality radioactive ion beams which are available at ISOLDE. In this article, an overview is given of the technical details of the full Miniball setup, including a description of the γ-ray and particle detectors, beam monitoring devices and methods to deal with beam contamination. The specific timing properties of the REX-ISOLDE facility are hi…

New states in heavy Cd isotopes and evidence for weakening of the N = 82 shell structure

A chemically selective laser ion source has been used in a β-decay study of heavy Ag isotopes into even-even Cd nuclides. Gamma-spectroscopic techniques in time-resolving event-by-event and multiscaling modes have permitted the identification of the first 2+ and 4+ levels in 126Cd78, 128Cd80, and tentatively the 2+ state in 130Cd82. From a comparison of these new states in 48Cd with the E(2+) and E(4+)/E(2+) level systematics of 46Pd and 52Te isotopes and several recent model predictions, possible evidence for a weakening of the spherical N = 82 neutron-shell below double-magic 132Sn is obtained.

β decay studies of n-rich Cs isotopes with the ISOLDE Decay Station

R. Lica et al. -- 14 pags., 7 figs., tab. -- Open Access funded by Creative Commons Atribution Licence 3.0

Developments towards in-gas-jet laser spectroscopy studies of actinium isotopes at LISOL

To study exotic nuclides at the borders of stability with laser ionization and spectroscopy techniques, highest efficiencies in combination with a high spectral resolution are required. These usually opposing requirements are reconciled by applying the in-gas-laser ionization and spectroscopy (IGLIS) technique in the supersonic gas jet produced by a de Laval nozzle installed at the exit of the stopping gas cell. Carrying out laser ionization in the low-temperature and low density supersonic gas jet eliminates pressure broadening, which will significantly improve the spectral resolution. This article presents the required modifications at the Leuven Isotope Separator On-Line (LISOL) facility…

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

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…

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

Spectroscopy of $^{46}$Ar by the (t,p) two-neutron transfer reaction

States in the $N=28$ nucleus $^{46}$Ar have been studied by a two-neutron transfer reaction at REX-ISOLDE (CERN). A beam of radioactive $^{44}$ at an energy of 2.16~AMeV and a tritium loaded titanium target were used to populate $^{46}$ by the t($^{44}$,p) two-neutron transfer reaction. Protons emitted from the target were identified in the T-REX silicon detector array. The excitation energies of states in $^{46}$ have been reconstructed from the measured angles and energies of recoil protons. Angular distributions for three final states were measured and based on the shape of the differential cross section an excited state at 3695~keV has been identified as $J^\pi = 0^+$. The angular diffe…

X-ray production with heavy post-accelerated radioactive-ion beams in the lead region of interest for Coulomb-excitation measurements

Abstract Characteristic K X-rays have been observed in Coulomb-excitation experiments with heavy radioactive-ion beams in the lead region (Z = 82), produced at the REX-ISOLDE facility, and were used to identify the decay of strongly converted transitions as well as monopole 0 2 + → 0 1 + transitions. Different targets were used, and the X-rays were detected by the Miniball γ-ray spectrometer surrounding the target position. A stable mercury isotope, as well as neutron-deficient mercury, lead, polonium, and radon isotopes were studied, and a detailed description of the analysis using the radioactive 182,184,186,188Hg isotopes is presented. Apart from strongly converted transitions originatin…

α -decay branching ratio of Pt180

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(…

Precise Determination of the Unperturbed 8B Neutrino Spectrum

The measurement was performed at the Kernfysisch Versneller Instituut (KVI) at the University of Groningen, The Netherlands.; A measurement of the final state distribution of the 8B $\beta$ decay, obtained by implanting a 8B beam in a double-sided silicon strip detector, is reported here. The present spectrum is consistent with a recent independent precise measurement performed by our collaboration at the IGISOL facility, Jyvâskylä [O. S. Kirsebom et al., Phys. Rev. C 83, 065802 (2011)]. It shows discrepancies with previously measured spectra, leading to differences in the derived neutrino spectrum. Thanks to a low detection threshold, the neutrino spectrum is for the first time directly ex…

Coulomb Excitation ofCu68,70: First Use of Postaccelerated Isomeric Beams

We report on the first low-energy Coulomb excitation measurements with radioactive Ipi=6- beams of odd-odd nuclei 68,70Cu. The beams were produced at ISOLDE, CERN and were post-accelerated by REX-ISOLDE to 2.83 MeV/nucleon. gamma rays were detected with the MINIBALL spectrometer. The 6- beam was used to study the multiplet of states (3-, 4-, 5-, 6-) arising from the pi2p3/2nu1g9/2 configuration. The 4- state of the multiplet was populated via Coulomb excitation and the B(E2;6--->4-) value was determined in both nuclei. The results obtained illustrate the fragile stability of the Z=28 shell and N=40 subshell closures. A comparison with large-scale shell-model calculations using the 56Ni core…

Analysis methods of safe Coulomb-excitation experiments with radioactive ion beams using the gosia code

With the recent advances in radioactive ion beam technology, Coulomb excitation at safe energies becomes an important experimental tool in nuclear-structure physics. The usefulness of the technique to extract key information on the electromagnetic properties of nuclei has been demonstrated since the 1960's with stable beam and target combinations. New challenges present themselves when studying exotic nuclei with this technique, including dealing with low statistics or number of data points, absolute and relative normalisation of the measured cross sections and a lack of complimentary experimental data, such as excited-state lifetimes and branching ratios. This paper addresses some of these…

Selective laser ionization of radioactive Ni-isotopes

Abstract A chemically selective laser ion source based on resonance ionization of atoms in a hot cavity has been applied in the study of Ni-isotopes at the CERN-ISOLDE on-line isotope separator. Laser ionization enhanced the yields of long-lived Ni-isotopes almost four orders of magnitude when compared to the yields obtained with the surface ionization mode of the source. As a result, high yields of long-lived Ni-isotopes were obtained. Separation efficiencies of 0.3 and 0.8% were obtained for Ni produced in uranium-carbide, produced from uranium-di-pthalocyanine, and Ta-foil targets, respectively. Ni was found to be released very slowly from the present target and ion source combination.

Precise branching ratios to unbound 12C states from 12N and 12B β-decays

6 pages, 2 tables, 4 figures.--PACS nrs.: 21.45.-v; 23.40.-s; 27.20.+n; 21.60.De.--Printed version published Aug 3, 2009

In-gas laser ionization and spectroscopy of actinium isotopes near the N=126 closed shell

The in-gas laser ionization and spectroscopy (IGLIS) techniquewas applied on the $^{212–215}$Ac isotopes, produced at the Leuven Isotope Separator On-Line (LISOL) facility by using the in-gas-cell and the in-gas-jet methods. The first application under on-line conditions of the in-gas-jet laser spectroscopy method showed a superior performance in terms of selectivity, spectral resolution, and efficiency in comparison with the in-gas-cell method. Following the analysis of both experiments, the magnetic-dipole moments for the $^{212–215}$Ac isotopes, electric-quadrupole moments and nuclear spins for the $^{214,215}$Ac isotopes are presented and discussed. A good agreement is obtained with lar…

Study of exotic decay of Cs isotope close to the proton drip line

6 pags., 6 figs. -- 27th International Nuclear Physics Conference (INPC2019) 29 July - 2 August 2019, Glasgow, UK

Enhanced Quadrupole and Octupole Strength in Doubly Magic Sn132

The first 2+ and 3- states of the doubly magic nucleus Sn132 are populated via safe Coulomb excitation employing the recently commissioned HIE-ISOLDE accelerator at CERN in conjunction with the highly efficient MINIBALL array. The Sn132 ions are accelerated to an energy of 5.49 MeV/nucleon and impinged on a Pb206 target. Deexciting γ rays from the low-lying excited states of the target and the projectile are recorded in coincidence with scattered particles. The reduced transition strengths are determined for the transitions 0g.s.+→21+, 0g.s.+→31-, and 21+→31- in Sn132. The results on these states provide crucial information on cross-shell configurations which are determined within large-sca…

Spectroscopy of Low-lying States in $^{140}$Sm

International audience; Electromagnetic transition strengths and spectroscopic quadrupole moments for Sm-140 were measured by means of multi-step Coulomb excitation with radioactive beam at the ISOLDE facility at CERN. A complementary experiment was performed at the Heavy Ion Laboratory in Warsaw to assign spins for non-yrast states using the angular correlation technique. Based on the new experimental data previous spin assignments need to be revised.

Hindered (Δl=0) Alpha Decay and Shape Staggering in191Po

Two $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-decaying isomeric states were observed in ${}^{191}\mathrm{Po}$ with ${E}_{\ensuremath{\alpha}}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}7334(10)\mathrm{keV}$ and $\mathrm{T}{}_{1/2}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}22(1)\mathrm{ms}$ for ${}^{191g}\mathrm{Po}$ and $\mathrm{E}{}_{\ensuremath{\alpha}}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}7378(10)\mathrm{keV}$ and $\mathrm{T}{}_{1/2}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}98(8)\mathrm{ms}$ for ${}^{191m}\mathrm{Po}$. Evidence was found for fine-structure decay to excited levels in the ${}^{187}\mathrm{Pb}$ daughter nucleus. The tentative interpretation of these new lev…

Shape coexistence in Au 187 studied by laser spectroscopy

Hyperfine-structure parameters and isotope shift of the 9/2$^−$ isomeric state in $^{187}$Au relative to $^{197}$Au for the 267.6-nm atomic transition have been measured for the first time using the in-source resonance-ionization spectroscopy technique. The magnetic dipole moment and change in the mean-square charge radius for this 9/2$^−$ isomer have been deduced. The observed large isomer shift relative to the 1/2$^+$ ground state in $^{187}$Au confirms the occurrence of the shape coexistence in $^{187}$Au proposed earlier from the analysis of the nuclear spectroscopic data and particle plus triaxial rotor calculations. The analysis of the magnetic moment supports the previously proposed …

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…

Shape coexistence in neutron-deficient Hg isotopes studied via lifetime measurements inHg184,186and two-state mixing calculations

The neutron-deficient mercury isotopes, $^{184,186}$Hg, were studied with the Recoil Distance Doppler Shift (RDDS) method using the Gammasphere array and the Koln Plunger device. The Differential Decay Curve Method (DDCM) 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. $B(E2)$ values are calculated and compared to a two-state mixing model which utilizes the variable moment of inertia (VMI) model, allowing for extraction of spin-dependent mixing strengths and amplitudes.

Studies of pear-shaped nuclei using accelerated radioactive beams

There is strong circumstantial evidence that certain heavy, unstable atomic nuclei are ‘octupole deformed’, that is, distorted into a pear shape. This contrasts with the more prevalent rugby-ball shape of nuclei with reflection-symmetric, quadrupole deformations. The elusive octupole deformed nuclei are of importance for nuclear structure theory, and also in searches for physics beyond the standard model; any measurable electric-dipole moment (a signature of the latter) is expected to be amplified in such nuclei. Here we determine electric octupole transition strengths (a direct measure of octupole correlations) for short-lived isotopes of radon and radium. Coulomb excitation experiments we…

Accelerated radioactive beams from REX-ISOLDE

In 2001 the linear accelerator of the Radioactive beam EXperiment (REX-ISOLDE) delivered for the first time accelerated radioactive ion beams, at a beam energy of 2 MeV/u. REX-ISOLDE uses the method of charge-state breeding, in order to enhance the charge state of the ions before injection into the LINAC. Radioactive singly-charged ions from the on-line mass separator ISOLDE are first accumulated in a Penning trap, then charge bred to an A/q < 4.5 in an electron beam ion source (EBIS) and finally accelerated in a LINAC from 5 keV/u to energies between 0.8 and 2.2 MeV/u. Dedicated measurements with REXTRAP, the transfer line and the EBIS have been carried out in conjunction with the first co…

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

The β decay of 208Hg into the one-proton hole, one neutron-particle 20881Tl127 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 Qβ 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 the rapid neut…

Shapes and Collectivity in Neutron Deficient Even-Mass 188–198Pb Isotopes

Fine structure in theαdecay ofPo188,192

The alpha decay of Po-188,Po-192 has been reexamined in order to probe the 0(+) states in the daughter nuclei Pb-184,Pb-188 that can be associated with coexisting spherical, oblate, and/or prolate ...

Beta decay of the new isotope101Sn

The very neutron-deficient isotope 101Sn was produced in a 50Cr(58Ni, 2p5n) reaction and its decay properties were determined for the first time. By using chemically selective ion sources of an on-line mass separator, the energy spectrum and the half-life (3 ± 1 s) of beta-delayed protons of 101Sn were measured. These results are compared to theoretical predictions.

Shapes and Collectivity in Neutron Deficient Even-Mass 188–198Pb Isotopes

The neutron deficient 188−198Pb isotopes have been studied in a Coulomb excitation measurement employing the Miniball spectrometer and radioactive beams from REX-ISOLDE, CERN. These isotopes are of particular importance as they lie in a transitional region, where the intruding structures, associated with different deformed shapes, come down in energy close to the spherical ground state. For detailed analysis of the Coulomb excitation data, the understanding of the beam composition is essential. peerReviewed

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

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…

On the performance of wavelength meters : Part 1 : consequences for medium-to-high-resolution laser spectroscopy

Present-day laser-spectroscopy experiments increasingly rely on modern commercial devices to monitor, stabilize, and scan the wavelength of their probe laser. Recently, new techniques are capable of achieving unprecedented levels of precision on atomic and nuclear observables, pushing these devices to their performance limits. Considering the fact that these observables themselves are deduced from the frequency difference between specific atomic resonances, in the order of MHz–GHz, the uncertainty on the output of the device measuring the wavelength is often directly related to the final systematic uncertainty on the experimental results. Owing to its importance, the performance of several …

Conversion electron and beta decay spectroscopy at SHIP

Abstract Novel methods for internal conversion electron and β -decay spectroscopy at the focal plane of a recoil separator are discussed. As an example the experimental data collected at the focal plane of the velocity filter SHIP (GSI, Darmstadt) are presented and compared with the results of the GEANT Monte Carlo simulations. It is shown that the simultaneous detection of conversion electrons, γ -rays and X-rays is possible, which significantly broadens the range of applications of this and similar systems.

Collectivity in ${}^{\mathrm{196,198}}$Pb isotopes probed in Coulomb-excitation experiments at REX-ISOLDE

The neutron-deficient ${}^{\mathrm{196,198}}$Pb isotopes have been studied in Coulomb-excitation experiments employing the Miniball γ-ray spectrometer and radioactive ion beams from the REX-ISOLDE post-accelerator at CERN. The reduced transition probabilities of the first excited 2+ states in 196Pb and 198Pb nuclei have been measured for the first time. Values of $B(E2)={18.2}_{-4.1}^{+4.8}$ W.u. and $B(E2)={13.1}_{-3.5}^{+4.9}$ W.u., were obtained, respectively. The experiment sheds light on the development of collectivity when moving from the regime governed by the generalised seniority scheme to a region, where intruding structures, associated with different deformed shapes, start to com…

Shape-changing particle decays ofBi185and structure of the lightest odd-mass Bi isotopes

Proton and alpha decay of the proton-rich nuclide Bi-185 has been restudied in more detail in the complete fusion reaction Nb-93(Mo-95, 3n)Bi-185 at the velocity filter SHIP. The observed decay pat ...

Gamow–Teller transitions in exotic pf-shell nuclei relevant to supernova explosion

Gamow–Teller (GT) transitions starting from unstable pf-shell nuclei are of interest not only in nuclear physics, but also in astrophysics, e.g. in violent neutrino induced reactions at the core-collapse stage of type II supernovae. In the β-decay study of these pf-shell nuclei, half-lives can be measured rather accurately. On the other hand, in high-resolution (3He, t) charge-exchange reactions at 0°, individual GT transitions up to high excitations can be studied. Assuming the isospin symmetry for the strengths of Tz = ±1 → 0 analogous GT transitions, we present a unique 'merged analysis' for the determination of absolute B(GT) values.

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…

Accelerating Radioactive Ion Beams With REX-ISOLDE

The post accelerator REX‐ISOLDE is installed at the ISOLDE facility at CERN, where a broad variety of radioactive ions can be addressed. Since the end of 2001 beams at the final energy of 2.2 MeV/u are available. REX‐ISOLDE uses a unique system of beam bunching and charge breeding. First a Penning trap accumulates and bunches the ions, which are delivered as a quasi‐continuous beam from the ISOLDE target‐ion‐source, and then an electron beam ion source (EBIS) charge‐breeds them to a mass‐to‐charge ratio below 4.5. This enables a very compact design for the following LINAC, consisting of a 4 rod RFQ, an IH structure and three 7‐gap‐resonators. The later ones allow a variation of the final en…

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.

Normal and intruder configurations in $^{34}$Si populated in the $\beta^-$ decay of $^{34}$Mg and $^{34}$Al

The structure of Si34 was studied through γ spectroscopy separately in the β− decays of Mg34 and Al34 at the ISOLDE facility of CERN. Different configurations in Si34 were populated independently from the two recently identified β-decaying states in Al34 having spin-parity assignments Jπ=4− dominated by the normal configuration π(d5/2)−1⊗ν(f7/2) and Jπ=1+ by the intruder configuration π(d5/2)−1⊗ν(d3/2)−1(f7/2)2. The paper reports on spectroscopic properties of Si34 such as an extended level scheme, spin and parity assignments based on log(ft) values and γ-ray branching ratios, absolute β feeding intensities, and neutron emission probabilities. A total of 11 newly identified levels and 26 tr…

Comparison of experimental and calculated K/L ratios of E0 transitions in some heavy nuclei

A comparison of the experimental and theoretical K/L conversion-intensity ratios of E0 transitions in the lead region is presented. No major differences were found, the overall agreement being better than 7%. However, with the present data, a systematic 5% deficiency of the measured values, as compared with the calculated ones, can not be ruled out.

First observation of the β-decay of neutron-rich 215Pb and 218Bi by the pulsed-release technique and resonant laser ionisation

The neutron-rich Tl, Pb and Bi isotopes are of exceptional interest to trace the evolution of single-particle levels away from the doubly magic 208Pb towards the neutron-rich side of the nuclear chart. While 208Pb is well understood in terms of the shell model, experimental data on the heavier isotopes is very scarce and it is far from clear to what extent the shell model is upheld [1]. Furthermore, large branchings ratios for β-delayed neutron emission are expected in this mass region, adding astrophysical interest to the subject [2].

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.

Evolution of Octupole Deformation in Radium Nuclei from Coulomb Excitation of Radioactive Ra222 and Ra228 Beams

There is sparse direct experimental evidence that atomic nuclei can exhibit stable "pear" shapes arising from strong octupole correlations. In order to investigate the nature of octupole collectivity in radium isotopes, electric octupole (E3) matrix elements have been determined for transitions in ^{222,228}Ra nuclei using the method of sub-barrier, multistep Coulomb excitation. Beams of the radioactive radium isotopes were provided by the HIE-ISOLDE facility at CERN. The observed pattern of E3 matrix elements for different nuclear transitions is explained by describing ^{222}Ra as pear shaped with stable octupole deformation, while ^{228}Ra behaves like an octupole vibrator.

β decay of In133 : γ emission from neutron-unbound states in Sn133

Excited states in Sn-133 were investigated through the beta decay of In-133 at the ISOLDE facility. The ISOLDE Resonance Ionization Laser Ion Source (RILIS) provided isomer-selective ionization for In-133, allowing us to study separately, and in detail, the beta-decay branch of In-133 J(pi)= (9/2(+)) ground state and its J(pi) = (1/2(-)) isomer.Thanks to the large spin difference of the two beta-decaying states of In-133, it is possible to investigate separately the lower and higher spin states in the daughter, Sn-133, and thus to probe independently different single-particle and single-hole levels. We report here new gamma transitions observed in the decay of In-133, including those assign…

Do nuclei go pear-shaped? Coulomb excitation of 220Rn and 224Ra at REX-ISOLDE (CERN)

Artículo escrito por muchos autores, sólo se referencian el primero, los autores que firman como Universidad Autónoma de Madrid y el grupo de colaboración en el caso de que aparezca en el artículo

Charge radii and electromagnetic moments of At195–211

Hyperfine-structure parameters and isotope shifts of At195-211 have been measured for the first time at CERN-ISOLDE, using the in-source resonance-ionization spectroscopy method. The hyperfine structures of isotopes were recorded using a triad of experimental techniques for monitoring the photo-ion current. The Multi-Reflection Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer, in connection with a high-resolution electron multiplier, was used as an ion-counting setup for isotopes that either were affected by strong isobaric contamination or possessed a long half-life; the ISOLDE Faraday cups were used for cases with high-intensity beams; and the Windmill decay station was used for short-lived, predominantl…

Large shape staggering in neutron-deficient Bi isotopes

The changes in the mean-square charge radius (relative to 209Bi), magnetic dipole, and electric quadrupole moments of 187,188,189,191Bi were measured using the in-source resonance-ionization spectroscopy technique at ISOLDE (CERN). A large staggering in radii was found in 187,188,189Big, manifested by a sharp radius increase for the ground state of 188Bi relative to the neighboring 187,189Big. A large isomer shift was also observed for 188Bim. Both effects happen at the same neutron number, N=105, where the shape staggering and a similar isomer shift were observed in the mercury isotopes. Experimental results are reproduced by mean-field calculations where the ground or isomeric states were…

The SPEDE spectrometer

8 pags., 10 figs., 2 tabs.

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.

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, …

Characterization of the shape-staggering effect in mercury nuclei

In rare cases, the removal of a single proton (Z) or neutron (N) from an atomic nucleus leads to a dramatic shape change. These instances are crucial for understanding the components of the nuclear interactions that drive deformation. The mercury isotopes (Z = 80) are a striking example1,2: their close neighbours, the lead isotopes (Z = 82), are spherical and steadily shrink with decreasing N. The even-mass (A = N + Z) mercury isotopes follow this trend. The odd-mass mercury isotopes 181,183,185Hg, however, exhibit noticeably larger charge radii. Due to the experimental difficulties of probing extremely neutron-deficient systems, and the computational complexity of modelling such heavy nucl…

Coulomb excitation of Na-29,Na-30: Mapping the borders of the island of inversion

Seidlitz, M., et all ; 10 pags. ; 9 figs. ; 1 tab. ; PACS number(s): 21.60.Cs, 23.20.Js, 25.70.De, 29.38.Gj

Charge radii of odd-A 191–211Po isotopes

Isotope shifts have been measured for the odd-A polonium isotopes 191–211Po and changes in the nuclear mean square charge radii δr2 have been deduced. The measurements were performed at CERN-ISOLDE using the in-source resonance-ionization spectroscopy technique. The combined analysis of these data and our recent results for even-A polonium isotopes indicates an onset of deformation already at 197,198Po, when going away from stability. This is significantly earlier than was suggested by previous theoretical and experimental studies of the polonium isotopes. Moreover and in contrast to the mercury isotopes, where a strong odd–even staggering of the charge radii of the ground states was observ…

Coulomb excitation of 222Rn

International audience; The nature of quadrupole and octupole collectivity in $^{222}$Rn was investigated by determining the electric-quadrupole (E2) and octupole (E3) matrix elements using subbarrier, multistep Coulomb excitation. The radioactive $^{222}$Rn beam, accelerated to 4.23 MeV/u, was provided by the HIE-ISOLDE facility at CERN. Data were collected in the Miniball $\gamma$ -ray spectrometer following the bombardment of two targets, $^{120}$Sn and $^{60}$Ni. Transition E2 matrix elements within the ground-state and octupole bands were measured up to 10 ¯h and the results were consistent with a constant intrinsic electric-quadrupole moment, 518(11) $e$ fm$^2$ . The values of the int…

Non-analog β decay of 74Rb

The magnitude of the Coulomb mixing parameter δ 1 has been experimentally deduced, for the first time, for the β decay of 74 Rb. The estimated magnitude is derived from the feeding of the non-analog first excited 0 + state in 74 Kr. The inferred upper limit of 0.07% is small compared to theoretical predictions. The half-life was measured to be 64.90(9) ms.  2001 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.

A new pulsed release method for element selective production of neutron rich isotopes near 208Pb

Abstract A new method to reduce the isobaric contamination problem for the production of neutron rich Bi, Pb and Tl nuclei at on-line mass separators, based on the pulsed release of these radioactive species, is presented. The results of a feasibility study are reported.

Study of a-cluster states of 22Mg from resonance scattering of a post-accelerated 18Ne radioactive ion beam

An experiment aimed at the study of the α-cluster structure of 22Mg was performed at the Louvain la Neuve RIB facility. Preliminary results from a first feasibility run will be presented.

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

Alternative approach to populate and study the $^{229}Th$ nuclear clock isomer

A new approach to observe the radiative decay of the $^{229}$Th nuclear isomer, and to determine its energy and radiative lifetime, is presented. Situated at a uniquely low excitation energy, this nuclear state might be a key ingredient for the development of a nuclear clock, a nuclear laser and the search for time variations of the fundamental constants. The isomer's $\gamma$ decay towards the ground state will be studied with a high-resolution VUV spectrometer after its production by the $\beta$ decay of $^{229}$Ac. The novel production method presents a number of advantages asserting its competitive nature with respect to the commonly used $^{233}$U $\alpha$-decay recoil source. In this …

Low energy reactions with radioactive ions at REX-ISOLDE-the 9Li + 2H case

19 pages, 12 figures, 2 tables.-- PACS nrs.: 25.60.-t; 25.45.-z; 27.20.+n.-- et al. ISOLDE Collaborattion and REX-ISOLDE Collaboration.