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

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

Study of $^{45}$Ar through (d, p) reaction at SPIRAL

NESTER; International audience; The structure of the neutron-rich nucleus $^{45}$Ar has been investigated through the d($^{44}$Ar,$^{45}$Ar)p transfer reaction. Radioactive beam of $^{44}$Ar at 10 A MeV has been provided by the SPIRAL facility at GANIL. The protons corresponding to a neutron pick-up on bound or unbound states mechanism in $^{45}$Ar nuclei were detected at backward angles by the detector array MUST. The transfer-like ejectiles were detected in the SPEG spectrometer. Level scheme, spin assignments and spectroscopic factors have been deduced for $^{45}$Ar and compared to shell model predictions. These parameters will be subsequently used to infer (n, $\gamma$) cross sections i…

Lifetimes of core-excited states in semi-magic $^{95}$Rh

Lifetimes of negative-parity states have been determined in the neutron deficient semi-magic (N = 50) nucleus 95Rh. The fusion-evaporation reaction 58Ni(40Ca,3p) was used to populate high-spin states in 95Rh at the Grand Accélérateur National d’Ions Lourds (GANIL) accelerator facility. The results were obtained using the Doppler Shift Attenuation Method (DSAM) based on the Doppler broadened line shapes produced during the slowing down process of the residual nuclei in a thick 6mg/cm2 metallic target. B(M1) and B(E2) reduced transition strengths are compared with predictions from large-scale shell-model calculations. peerReviewed

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

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

Kr-96(36)60-Low-Z Boundary of the Island of Deformation at N=60

Prompt.-ray spectroscopy of the neutron-rich Kr-96, produced in transfer-and fusion-induced fission reactions, has been performed using the combination of the Advanced Gamma Tracking Array and the VAMOS + +spectrometer. A second excited state, assigned to J pi = 4(+), is observed for the first time, and a previously reported level energy of the first 2+ excited state is confirmed. The measured energy ratio R-4/2 = E(4(+))/E(2(+)) = 2.12(1) indicates that this nucleus does not show a well-developed collectivity contrary to that seen in heavier N = 60 isotones. This new measurement highlights an abrupt transition of the degree of collectivity as a function of the proton number at Z = 36, of s…

Maximally aligned states in the proton drip line nucleus 106Sb

High-spin states in Sb-106 have been investigated in the Fe-54(Ni-58, 1α 1p1n) reaction by in-beam γ-spectroscopic methods using the EUROBALL detector array equipped with charged particle and neutr ...

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

Kr369660 –Low- Z Boundary of the Island of Deformation at N=60

Prompt γ-ray spectroscopy of the neutron-rich $^{96}$Kr, produced in transfer- and fusion-induced fission reactions, has been performed using the combination of the Advanced Gamma Tracking Array and the VAMOS++ spectrometer. A second excited state, assigned to $J^π$ = $4^+$, is observed for the first time, and a previously reported level energy of the first 2+ excited state is confirmed. The measured energy ratio R4/2 = E($4^+$)/E($2^+$) = 2.12(1) indicates that this nucleus does not show a well-developed collectivity contrary to that seen in heavier N = 60 isotones. This new measurement highlights an abrupt transition of the degree of collectivity as a function of the proton number at Z = …

Neutron excitations in 119Ba

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

Collective and broken pair states of65,67Ga

Excited states of 65Ga and 67Ga nuclei were populated through the 12C(58Ni,αp) and 12C(58Ni,3p) reactions, respectively, and investigated by in-beam γ-ray spectroscopic methods. The NORDBALL array equipped with a charged particle ball and 11 neutron detectors was used to detect the evaporated particles and γ rays. The level schemes of 65,67Ga were constructed on the basis of γγ-coincidence relations up to 8.6 and 10 MeV excitation energy, and Iπ=27/2 and 33/2+ spin and parity, respectively. The structure of 65,67Ga nuclei was described in the interacting boson-fermion plus broken pair model, including quasiproton, quasiproton-two-quasineutron, and three-quasiproton fermion configurations in…

Neutron Excitations Across the N=50 Shell Gap in 102In

The structure of In-102 has been investigated by in-beam gamma-spectroscopic methods. Knowledge on the excited states of this nucleus has significantly been extended. Three cascades of transitions were observed to exceed the spin-energy domain spanned by the pig(9/2)(-1)v(d(5/2),g(7/2))(3) configurations. The new high spin states at similar to 4 MeV excitation energy could be assigned to the pig(9/2)(-1)v(d(5/2), g(7/2))(2)h (11/2) configuration, while at least those at 4.733, 5.192 and 5.853 MeV most likely arise from the vg(9/2) --> vd(5/2), g(7/2) one-particle-one-hole excitation across the N = 50 shell closure.

Structure of high-spin states in Pd

High-spin states of the neutron deficient (100)pd nucleus have been investigated via the Cr-50(Ni-58, 4p alpha) and Zn-70(S-36,6n) heavy-ion induced reactions. For the detection of evaporated particles and gamma rays the NORDBALL array equipped with ancillary detectors and the EUROGAM II detector system were utilized. By the use of in-beam spectroscopic methods 89 transitions belonging to (100)pd have been observed, 49 of which were identified for the first time. The level scheme has been extended up to E-X approximate to 16 MeV excitation energy and I approximate to 25h. The experimental results were compared with the predictions of cranked shell model calculations. Maximal spin alignments…

Complete set of proton excitations in 119Cs

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

Structure of theN=27isotones derived from theAr44(d,p)Ar45reaction

The $^{44}\mathrm{Ar}$($d,p$)$^{45}\mathrm{Ar}$ neutron transfer reaction was performed at $10A$ MeV. Measured excitation energies, deduced angular momenta, and spectroscopic factors of the states populated in $^{45}\mathrm{Ar}$ are reported. A satisfactory description of these properties is achieved in the shell model framework using a new $\mathit{sdpf}$ interaction. The model analysis is extended to more exotic even-$Z$ nuclei down to ${}_{14}^{41}{\mathrm{Si}}_{27}$ to study how collectivity impacts the low-lying structure of $N=27$ neutron-rich nuclei.

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

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

Structure of 68As studied via the 12C(58Ni,pn) reaction

Excited states of As-68 nucleus were populated through the C-12(Ni-58,pn) reaction and investigated by in-beam gamma-spectroscopic methods. The NORDBALL detector array equipped with charged particle and neutron detectors was used to detect the evaporated particles and gamma-rays. The level scheme of As-68 was constructed on the basis of gamma gamma-coincidence relations up to 6 MeV excitation energy and J(pi) = (15(+)). The structure of the nucleus is discussed in the framework of the interacting boson-fermion-fermion model. The states below 2.3 MeV are described as members of proton-neutron-phonon multiplets. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.

Stability of chiral geometry in the odd–odd Rh isotopes: spectroscopy of 106Rh

International audience; 136 P. Joshi et al. / Physics Letters B 595 (2004) 135–142AbstractThe nucleus 106Rh was populated using the reaction 96Zr(13C, p2n) at a beam energy of 51 MeV. γ -ray transitions wereidentified using the EUROBALL-IV γ -ray spectrometer and the DIAMANT charged particle array. The yrast band, which isbased upon a πg−19/2 ⊗ νh11/2 configuration, has been extended to I π = (22−). A new I = 1 band has been identified whichresides ∼ 300 keV above the yrast band. Core–quasiparticle coupling model calculations show reasonably good agreement withthe data. The properties of the two pairs of strongly coupled bands are consistent with a chiral interpretation for these states. 2…

Persistence of the Z=28 shell gap in A=75 isobars: Identification of a possible (1/2−) μs isomer in Co75 and β decay to Ni75

Background: The evolution of shell structure around doubly-magic exotic nuclei is of great interest in nuclear physics and astrophysics. In the `south-west' region of $^{78}$Ni, the development of deformation might trigger a major shift in our understanding of explosive nucleosynthesis. To this end, new spectroscopic information on key close-lying nuclei is very valuable. Purpose: We intend to measure the isomeric and $\beta$ decay of $^{75}$Co, with one proton- and two neutron-holes relative to $^{78}$Ni, to access new nuclear structure information in $^{75}$Co and its $\beta$-decay daughters $^{75}$Ni and $^{74}$Ni. Methods: The nucleus $^{75}$Co is produced in relativistic in-flight fiss…

Maximally aligned states in $^{99}$Ag

Excited states of Ag-99 were populated via the Cr-50 + Ni-58 (261 MeV) reaction using the NORDBALL detector array equipped with charged-particle and neutron. detector systems for reaction channel separation. On the basis of the measured gammagamma-coincidence relations and angular distribution ratios a significantly extended level scheme has been constructed up to E-x similar to 7.8 MeV and I = 35/2. The experimental results were described within the framework of the shell model. Candidates for states fully aligned in the pig(9/2)(-3)nu(d(5/2),g(7/2))(2) valence configuration space were found at 4109 and 6265 keV.

Gamma-ray linear polarization measurement and $(g9/2)-3$ neutron alignment in 91Ru

Linear polarization measurements have been performed for γ rays in 91Ru produced with the 58Ni(36Ar, 2p1nγ ) 91Ru reaction at a beam energy of 111 MeV. The EXOGAM Ge clover array has been used to measure the γ -γ coincidences, γ -ray linear polarization, and γ -ray angular distributions. The polarization sensitivity of the EXOGAM clover detectors acting as Compton polarimeters has been determined in the energy range 0.3–1.3 MeV. Several transitions have been observed for the first time. Measurements of linear polarization and angular distribution have led to the firm assignments of spin differences and parity of high-spin states in 91Ru. More specifically, calculations using a semiempirical…

Band-terminating states in 101Ag

Excited states of the neutron deficient Ag-101 nucleus have been investigated via the Cr-50(Ni-58, 3rho1alpha) heavy-ion induced reaction at 261 meV by use of in-beam spectroscopic methods. On the basis of the measured gammagamma-cincidence relations and angular distribution ratios high-spin bands have been extended up to I-pi = 35/2(+), 45/2((-)) and (49/2(-)). The negative parity states at the highest energy have been interpreted as terminating non-collective oblate states in the framework of the Nilsson-Strutinsky cranking formalism.

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…

Experimental evidence for chirality in the odd-A 105Rh

Abstract High-spin states in 105 Rh were populated by the 96 Zr( 13 C, p3n) reaction at beam energies of 51 and 58 MeV, and studied using the EUROBALL IV γ -ray spectrometer and the DIAMANT charged particle array. A pair of nearly degenerate Δ I = 1 three-quasiparticle bands with the same spins and parity have been observed. Comparison of the experimental results with tilted axis cranking calculations confirms the chiral character of the two bands, while arguments based on the excitation of particles within the π g 9 / 2 ν ( h 11 / 2 ) 2 configuration of the yrast band and comparison with the previously observed γ band exclude the other possible interpretations. This is the first experiment…

Evidence of Partial Seniority Conservation in the pi g9/2 Shell for the N=50 Isotones

The reduced transition probabilities for the 4-> and 2->0 transitions in 92Mo and 94Ru and for the 4->2 and 6->4 transitions in 90Zr have been determined in this experiment making use of a multinucleon transfer reaction. These results have been interpreted on the basis of realistic shell-model calculations in the f5/2, p3/2, p1/2, and g9/2 proton valence space. Only the combination of extensive lifetime information and large scale shell-model calculations allowed the extent of the seniority conservation in the N=50 g9/2 orbital to be understood. The conclusion is that seniority is largely conserved in the first πg9/2 orbital.

Neutron excitations in Ba119

Sn108studied with intermediate-energy Coulomb excitation

The unstable neutron-deficient Sn-108 isotope has been studied in inverse kinematics by intermediate-energy Coulomb excitation using the RISING/FRS experimental setup at GSI. This is the highest Z nucleus studied so far with this method. Its reduced transition probability B (E2;0(g.s.)(+)-> 2(1)(+)) has been measured for the first time. The extracted B(E2) value of 0.230(57)e(2) b(2) has been determined relative to the known value in the stable Sn-112 isotope. The result is discussed in the framework of recent large-scale shell model calculations performed with realistic effective interactions. The roles of particle-hole excitations of the Sn-100 core and of the Z=50 shell gap for the E2 po…

Isospin Properties of Nuclear Pair Correlations from the Level Structure of the Self-Conjugate Nucleus Ru88

The low-lying energy spectrum of the extremely neutron-deficient self-conjugate (N = Z) nuclide 88 44Ru44 has been measured using the combination of the Advanced Gamma Tracking Array (AGATA) spectrometer, the NEDA and Neutron Wall neutron detector arrays, and the DIAMANT charged particle detector array. Excited states in 88Ru were populated via the 54Fe(36Ar; 2n )88Ru fusion-evaporation reaction at the Grand Acc�el�erateur National d'Ions Lourds (GANIL) accelerator complex. The observed -ray cascade is assigned to 88Ru using clean prompt - -2-neutron coincidences in anti-coincidence with the detection of charged particles, con�rming and extending the previously assigned sequence of low-lyin…