Beta-decay half-lives at the N = 28 shell closure

Abstract Measurements of the beta-decay half-lives of neutron-rich nuclei (MgAr) in the vicinity of the N =28 shell closure are reported. Some 22 half-lives have been determined, 12 of which for the first time. Particular emphasis is placed on the results for the Si isotopes, the half-lives of which have been extended from N =25 to 28. Comparison with QRPA calculations suggests that 42 Si is strongly deformed. This is discussed in the light of a possible weakening of the spin–orbit potential.