Large Shape Staggering in Neutron-Deficient Bi Isotopes

A systematic study of proton capture reactions in the SeSb region at energies relevant to the p process

Abstract A systematic investigation of (p,γ) cross sections of nuclei from Se to Sb is presented. In-beam cross section measurements were carried out at E p = 1.4–5 MeV by using an array of 4 HPGe detectors of 100% relative efficiency shielded with BGO crystals. The S factors obtained are compared with the predictions of the statistical model code MOST.

Nuclear charge radii of potassium isotopes beyond N=28

We report on the measurement of optical isotope shifts for 38, 39, 42, 44, 46–51 K relative to 47 K from which changes in the nuclear mean square charge radii across the N = 28 shell closure are deduced. The investigation was carried out by bunched-beam collinear laser spectroscopy at the CERN-ISOLDE radioactive ion-beam facility. Mean square charge radii are now known from 37K to 51K, covering all ν f7/2-shell as well as all νp3/2-shell nuclei. These measurements, in conjunction with those of Ca, Cr, Mn and Fe, provide a first insight into the Z dependence of the evolution of nuclear size above the shell closure at N = 28

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…