Nuclear moments and charge radii of neutron-deficient francium isotopes and isomers

Collinear laser fluorescence spectroscopy has been performed on the ground and isomeric states of 204,206Fr in order to determine their spins, nuclear moments, and changes in mean-squared charge radii. A new experimental technique has been developed as part of this work which much enhances the data collection rate while maintaining the high resolution. This has permitted the extension of this study to the two isomeric states in each nucleus. The investigation of nuclear g factors and mean-squared charge radii indicates that the neutron-deficient Fr isotopes lie in a transitional region from spherical towards more collective structures. peerReviewed