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The low-lying excited states in the neutron-deficient $N = Z + 1$ nucleus $^{87}_{43}$Tc$_{44}$ have been studied via the fusion-evaporation reaction $^{54}$Fe $(^{36}Ar, 2n1p)$ $^{87}$Tc at the Grand Accelerateur National d'Ions Lourds (GANIL), France. The AGATA spectrometer was used in conjunction with the auxiliary NEDA, Neutron Wall, and DIAMANT detector arrays to measure coincident prompt γ rays, neutrons, and charged particles emitted in the reaction. A level scheme of $^{87}$Tc from the $(9/2^+_{g.s})$ state to the $( 33 / 2^+_1$) state was established based on six mutually coincident γ -ray transitions. The constructed level structure exhibits a rotational behavior with a sharp backbending at $ℏω ≈ 0.50$ MeV. A decrease in alignment frequency and increase in alignment sharpness in the odd-mass isotonic chains around $N=44$ is proposed as an effect of the enhanced isoscalar neutron-proton interactions in odd-mass nuclei when approaching the $N=Z$ line.

To test the predictive power of ab initio nuclear structure theory, the lifetime of the second 2(+) state in neutron-rich O-20, tau(2(2)(+)) = 150(-30)(+80) fs, and an estimate for the lifetime of ...

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-lying excited states. It is consistent with a moderately deformed rotating system exhibiting a band crossing at a rotational frequency that is significantly higher than standard theoretical predictions with isovector pairing, as well as observations in neighboring N > Z nuclides. The direct observation of such a \delayed" rotational alignment in a deformed N = Z nucleus is in agreement with theoretical predictions related to the presence of strong isoscalar neutron-proton pair correlations.

Lifetimes of excited states of the phosphorus isotopes 1533,34,35,36P have been measured by using the differential recoil-distance method. The isotopes of phosphorus were populated in binary grazing reactions initiated by a beam of S36 ions of energy 225 MeV incident on a thin Pb208 target mounted in the Cologne plunger apparatus. The combination of the PRISMA magnetic spectrometer and an early implementation of the AGATA γ-ray tracking array was used to detect γ rays in coincidence with projectile-like nuclear species. Lifetime measurements of populated states were made within the range from about 1 to 100 ps. The number of states for which lifetime measurements were possible was limited by statistics. For P33, lifetime limits were determined for the first 3/2+ and 5/2+ states at 1431 and 1848 keV, respectively; the results are compared with previous published lifetime values. The lifetime of the first 2+ state of P34 at 429 keV was determined and compared with earlier measurements. For P35, the states for which lifetimes, or lifetime limits, were determined were those at 2386, 3860, 4101, and 4493 keV, with Jπ values of 3/2+, 5/2+, 7/21−, and 7/22−, respectively. There have been no previous published lifetimes for states in this nucleus. A lifetime was measured for the stretched π(1f7/2)⊗ν(1f7/2)Jπ=(7+) state of P36 at 5212 keV and a lifetime limit was established for the stretched π(1d3/2)⊗ν(1f7/2)Jπ=(5−) state at 2030 keV. There are no previously published lifetimes for states of P36. Measured lifetime values were compared with the results of state-of-the-art shell-model calculations based on the PSDPF effective interaction. In addition, measured branching ratios, published mixing ratios, and electromagnetic transition rates, where available, have been compared with shell-model values. In general, there is good agreement between experiment and the shell model; however there is evidence that the shell-model values of the M1 transition rates for the 3/21+→1/2+ (ground state) and 5/21+→3/21+ transitions in P33 underestimate the experimental values by a factor between 5 and 10. In P35 there are some disagreements between experimental and shell-model values of branching ratios for the first and second excited 7/2− states. In particular, there is a serious disagreement for the decay characteristics of the second 7/2− state at 4493 keV, for which the shell-model counterpart lies at 4754 keV. In this case, the shell-model competing electromagnetic decay branches are dominated by E1 and M1 transitions.

Background: Levels fulfilling the seniority scheme and relevant isomers are commonly observed features in semimagic nuclei; for example, in Sn isotopes (Z=50). Seniority isomers in Sn, with dominantly pure neutron configurations, directly probe the underlying neutron-neutron (νν) interaction. Furthermore, an addition of a valence proton particle or hole, through neutron-proton (νπ) interaction, affects the neutron seniority as well as the angular momentum. Purpose: Benchmark the reproducibility of the experimental observables, like the excitation energies (EX) and the reduced electric-quadrupole transition probabilities [B(E2)], with the results obtained from shell-model interactions for neutron-rich Sn and Sb isotopes with N

Lifetime measurements of excited states of the light N = 52 isotones 88 Kr , 86 Se , and 84 Ge have been performed, using the recoil distance Doppler shift method and VAMOS and AGATA spectrometers for particle identification and gamma spectroscopy, respectively. The reduced electric quadrupole transition probabilities B ( E 2 ; 2 + → 0 + ) and B ( E 2 ; 4 + → 2 + ) were obtained for the first time for the hard-to-reach 84 Ge . While the B ( E 2 ; 2 + → 0 + ) values of 88 Kr , 86 Se saturate the maximum quadrupole collectivity offered by the natural valence ( 3 s , 2 d , 1 g 7 / 2 , 1 h 11 / 2 ) space of an inert 78 Ni core, the value obtained for 84 Ge largely exceeds it, suggesting that shape coexistence phenomena, previously reported at N ≲ 49 , extend beyond N = 50 . The onset of collectivity at Z = 32 is understood as due to a pseudo-SU(3) organization of the proton single-particle sequence reflecting a clear manifestation of pseudospin symmetry. It is realized that the latter provides actually reliable guidance for understanding the observed proton and neutron single particle structure in the whole medium-mass region, from Ni to Sn, pointing towards the important role of the isovector-vector ρ field in shell-structure evolution.

Transition probabilities of intermediate-spin yrast and non-yrast excitations in 80, 82Se were investigated in a recoil distance Doppler-shift (RDDS) experiment performed at the Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Laboratori Nazionali di Legnaro. The Cologne Plunger device for deep inelastic scattering was used for the RDDS technique and was combined with the AGATA Demonstrator array for the γ-ray detection and coupled to the PRISMA magnetic spectrometer for an event-by-event particle identification. In 80Se, the level lifetimes of the yrast (6+1) and (8+1) states and of a non-yrast band feeding the yrast 4+1 state are determined. A spin and parity assignment of the head of this sideband is discussed based on the experimental results and supported by large-scale shell-model calculations. In 82Se, the level lifetimes of the yrast 6+1 state and the yrare 4+2 state and lifetime limits of the yrast (10+1) state and of the 5−1 state are determined. Although the experimental results contain large uncertainties, they are interpreted with care in terms of large-scale shell-model calculations using the effective interactions JUN45 and jj44b. The excited states' wave functions are investigated and discussed with respect to the role of the neutron g9/2 orbital.

A Coulomb-excitation experiment to study electromagnetic properties of Ca42 was performed using a 170-MeV calcium beam from the TANDEM XPU facility at INFN Laboratori Nazionali di Legnaro. γ rays from excited states in Ca42 were measured with the AGATA spectrometer. The magnitudes and relative signs of ten E2 matrix elements coupling six low-lying states in Ca42, including the diagonal E2 matrix elements of 21+ and 22+ states, were determined using the least-squares code gosia. The obtained set of reduced E2 matrix elements was analyzed using the quadrupole sum rule method and yielded overall quadrupole deformation for 01,2+ and 21,2+ states, as well as triaxiality for 01,2+ states, establishing the coexistence of a weakly deformed ground-state band and highly deformed slightly triaxial sideband in Ca42. The experimental results were compared with the state-of-the-art large-scale shell-model and beyond-mean-field calculations, which reproduce well the general picture of shape coexistence in Ca42.

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 = 36, of similar amplitude to that observed at N = 60 at higher Z values. A possible reason for this abrupt transition could be related to the insufficient proton excitations in the g9/2, d5/2, and s1/2 orbitals to generate strong quadrupole correlations or to the coexistence of competing different shapes. An unexpected continuous decrease of R4/2 as a function of the neutron number up to N = 60 is also evidenced. This measurement establishes the Kr isotopic chain as the low-Z boundary of the island of deformation for N = 60 isotones. A comparison with available theoretical predictions using different beyond mean-field approaches shows that these models fail to reproduce the abrupt transitions at N = 60 and Z = 36.

L. Pellegri et al. ; 5 pags. ; 6 figs. ; open access article under the CC BY license. Funded by SCOAP3, © 2014 The Authors. The γ decay from the high-lying states of 124Sn was measured using the inelastic scattering of 17O at 340 MeV. The emitted γ rays were detected with high resolution with the AGATA demonstrator array and the scattered ions were detected in two segmented δE-E silicon telescopes. The angular distribution was measured both for the γ rays and the scattered 17O ions. An accumulation of E1 strength below the particle threshold was found and compared with previous data obtained with (γ, γ') and (α, α'γ) reactions. The present results of elastic scattering, and excitation of E2 and E1 states were analysed using the DWBA approach. From this comprehensive description the isoscalar component of the 1- excited states was extracted. The obtained values are based on the comparison of the data with DWBA calculations including a form factor deduced using a microscopic transition density., Grant No. 2011/03/B/ST2/01894; (iii) the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory at MSU; (iv) the US NSF Grant PHY-1204486; and the German BMBF under Grant 06KY9136.

M. Klintefjord et al. -- 11 pags., 8 figs., 1 tab. -- Open Access funded by Creative Commons Atribution Licence 4.0

The 54Fe nucleus was populated from a 56Fe beam impinging on a Be target with an energy of E=A ¼ 500 MeV. The internal decay via γ-ray emission of the 10þ metastable state was observed. As the structure of this isomeric state has to involve at least four unpaired nucleons, it cannot be populated in a simple two-neutron removal reaction from the 56Fe ground state. The isomeric state was produced in the low-momentum (-energy) tail of the parallel momentum (energy) distribution of 54Fe, suggesting that it was populated via the decay of the Δ0 resonance into a proton. This process allows the population of fournucleon states, such as the observed isomer. Therefore, it is concluded that the observation of this 10þ metastable state in 54Fe is a consequence of the quark structure of the nucleons.

We performed a γ -particle coincidence experiment for the 60Ni+116Sn system to investigate whether the population of the two-neutron pickup channel leading to 62Ni is mainly concentrated in the ground-state transition, as has been found in a previous work [D. Montanari et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 113, 052501 (2014)]. The experiment has been performed by employing the PRISMA magnetic spectrometer coupled to theAdvanced Gamma Tracking Array (AGATA) demonstrator. The strength distribution of excited states corresponding to the inelastic, one- and two-neutron transfer channels has been extracted.We found that in the two-neutron transfer channel the strength to excited states corresponds to a fraction (less than 24%) of the total, consistent with the previously obtained results that the 2n channel is dominated by the ground-state to ground-state transition.

The γ decay from the high-lying states of ^140Ce excited via inelastic scattering of ^17O at a bombarding energy of 340 MeV was measured using the high-resolution AGATA-demonstrator array in coincidence with scattered ions detected in two segmented Δ E-E silicon detectors. Angular distributions of scattered ions and emitted γ rays were measured, as well as their differential cross sections. The excitation of 1^− states below the neutron separation energy is similar to the one obtained in reactions with the α isoscalar probe. The comparison between the experimental differential cross sections and the corresponding predictions using the distorted-wave Born approximation allowed us to extract the isoscalar component of identified 1^− pygmy states. For this analysis the form factor obtained by folding microscopically calculated transition densities and optical potentials was used.

Random Graphs and Mean Field Percolation are two names given to the most general mathematical model of systems composed of a set of connected entities. It has many applications in the study of real life networks as well as physical systems. The model shows a precisely described phase transition, but its solution for finite systems was yet unresolved. However, atomic nuclei, as well as other mesoscopic objects (e.g. molecules, nano-structures), cannot be considered as infinite and their fragmentation does not necessarily occur close to the transition point. Here, we derive for the first time the exact solution of Mean Field Percolation for systems of any size, as well as provide important information on the internal structure of Random Graphs. We show how these equations can be used as a basis to select non-trivial correlations in systems and thus to provide evidence for physical phenomena.

Reduced quadrupole transition probabilities for low-lying transitions in neutron-rich Se-84,Se-86 are investigated with a recoil distance Doppler shift (RDDS) experiment. The experiment was perform ...

The isospin mixing was deduced in the compound nucleus Zr-80 at an excitation energy of E* = 54 MeV from the gamma decay of the giant dipole resonance. The reaction Ca-40 + Ca-40 at E-beam = 136 MeV was used to form the compound nucleus in the isospin I = 0 channel, while the reaction Cl-37 + Ca-44 at E-beam = 95 MeV was used as the reference reaction. The. rays were detected with the AGATA demonstrator array coupled with LaBr3:Ce detectors. The temperature dependence of the isospin mixing was obtained and the zero-temperature value deduced. The isospin-symmetry-breaking correction delta(C) used for the Fermi superallowed transitions was extracted and found to be consistent with beta-decay data.

Background: Identification of proton-neutron mixed-symmetric one-quadrupole phonon excitations (the 2(ms)(+) states) of atomic nuclei provides information on the isovector part of the residual nucleon-nucleon interaction. It was predicted that the 2(ms)(+) state of particular nuclei close to the U(5) limit of the interacting boson model, in particular Ba-140, should be considerably populated by alpha-transfer reactions [C. E. Alonso et al., Phys. Rev. C 78, 017301 (2008)]. Purpose: We aim at the identification of the 2(ms)(+) mixed-symmetry state (MSS) of radioactive Ba-140 and investigate its population by the alpha-transfer reaction as a suitable tool to selectively populate MSSs and as a potential new signature for its mixed-symmetric character. Method: A gamma-ray spectroscopy experiment was performed in inverse kinematics in order to populate the 2(ms)(+) state of Ba-140 by alpha-transfer from a C-nat target on Xe-136 beam ions. The population of the candidate for the 2(ms)(+) state of Ba-140 was measured relative to the population of the 2(1)(+) state. Results: The candidate for the 2(ms)(+) state of Ba-140 was populated by a transfer three times weaker than predicted. Another 2(+) state that can be ruled out as the MSS was in turn as strongly populated by the a transfer as predicted for the MSS. Conclusions: The relative population of 2(+) states by alpha-transfer cannot serve as a new signature for MSSs, since other 2(+) states are also strongly populated. Nevertheless, the substantial population of the MSS candidate of Ba-140 by alpha transfer qualifies this type of reaction as suitable tool to excite MSSs and study their electromagnetic decay properties.

Background: Nuclear structure information for the neutron-rich actinide nuclei is important since it is the benchmark for theoretical models that provide predictions for the heaviest nuclei. Purpose: gamma-ray spectroscopy of neutron-rich heavy nuclei in the actinide region. Method: Multinucleon-transfer reactions in Zn-70 + U-238 and Xe-136 + U-238 have been measured in two experiments performed at the INFN Legnaro, Italy. In the Zn-70 experiment the high-resolution HPGe Clover Array (CLARA) coupled to the magnetic spectrometer PRISMA was employed. In the Xe-136 experiment the high-resolution Advanced Gamma Tracking Array (AGATA) was used in combination with PRISMA and the Detector Array for Multinucleon Transfer Ejectiles (DANTE). Results: The ground-state band (g.s. band) of U-240 was measured up to the 20(+) level and a tentative assignment was made up to the (24(+)) level. Results from gamma gamma coincidence and from particle coincidence analyses are shown. Moments of inertia (MoI) show a clear upbend. Evidence for an extended first negative-parity band of U-240 is found. Conclusions: A detailed comparison with latest calculations shows best agreement with cranked relativistic Hartree-Bogoliubov (CRHB) calculations for the g.s. band properties. The negative-parity band shows the characteristics of a K-pi = 0 band based on an octupole vibration.

Background: Multinucleon transfer reactions (MNT) are a competitive tool to populate exotic neutron-rich nuclei in a wide region of nuclei, where other production methods have severe limitations or cannot be used at all. Purpose: Experimental information on the yields of MNT reactions in comparison with theoretical calculations are necessary to make predictions for the production of neutron-rich heavy nuclei. It is crucial to determine the fraction of MNT reaction products which are surviving neutron emission or fission at the high excitation energy after the nucleon exchange. Method: Multinucleon transfer reactions in Xe-136 + U-238 have been measured in a high-resolution gamma-ray/particle coincidence experiment. The large solid-angle magnetic spectrometer PRISMA coupled to the high-resolution Advanced Gamma Tracking Array (AGATA) has been employed. Beamlike reaction products after multinucleon transfer in the Xe region were identified and selected with the PRISMA spectrometer. Coincident particles were tagged by multichannel plate detectors placed at the grazing angle of the targetlike recoils inside the scattering chamber. Results: Mass yields have been extracted and compared with calculations based on the GRAZING model for MNT reactions. Kinematic coincidences between the binary reaction products, i.e., beamlike and targetlike nuclei, were exploited to obtain population yields for nuclei in the actinide region and compared to x-ray yields measured by AGATA. Conclusions: No sizable yield of actinide nuclei beyond Z = 93 is found to perform nuclear structure investigations. In-beam gamma-ray spectroscopy is feasible for few-neutron transfer channels in U and the -2p channel populating Th isotopes.

High-spin states in the odd-odd nucleus La136, which is located close to the β-stability line, have been investigated in the radioactive-beam-induced fusion-evaporation reaction Sn124(N17,5n). The use of the radioactive beam enabled a highly sensitive and successful search for a new isomer [14+,T1/2=187(27) ns] in La136. In the A=130–140 mass region, no such long-lived isomer has been observed at high spin in odd-odd nuclei. The La136 level scheme was revised, incorporating the 14+ isomer and six new levels. The results were compared with pair-truncated shell model (PTSM) calculations which successfully explain the level structure of the πh11/2⊗νh−111/2 bands in La132 and La134. The isomerism of the 14+ state was investigated also by a collective model, the cranked Nilsson-Strutinsky (CNS) model, which explains various high-spin structures in the medium-heavy mass region. It is suggested that a new type of collective structure is induced in the PTSM model by the increase of the number of πg7/2 pairs, and/or in the CNS model by the configuration change associated with the shape change in La136.

Abnormal production of events with almost equal-sized fragments was theoretically proposed as a signature of spinodal instabilities responsible for nuclear multifragmentation. Many-fragment correlations can be used to enlighten any extra production of events with specific fragment partitions. The high sensitivity of such correlation methods makes it particularly appropriate to look for small numbers of events as those expected to have kept a memory of spinodal decomposition properties and to reveal the dynamics of a first-order phase transition for nuclear matter and nuclei. This paper summarizes results obtained so far for both experimental and dynamical simulations data.

We introduce a new model that mimics the strong and sudden effects induced by conformity in tightly interacting human societies. Such effects range from mere crowd phenomena to dramatic political turmoil. The model is a modified version of the Ising Hamiltonian. We have studied the properties of this Hamiltonian using both a Metropolis simulation and analytical derivations. Our study shows that increasing the value of the conformity parameter, results in a first order phase transition. As a result a majority of people begin honestly to support the idea that may contradict the moral principles of a normal human beings though each individual would support the moral principle without tight interaction with the society. Thus, above some critical level of conformity our society occurs to be instable with respect to ideas that might be doubtful. Our model includes, in a simplified way, human diversity with respect to loyalty to the moral principles., Comment: 5 pages, 5 figures, accepted in Int. journ of modern physics section C

We report on experimental and theoretical efforts designed to understand the fragmentation of small carbon clusters. Experimentally, a new detection system for high velocity fragments has been recently developed allowing the fragmentation of high velocity clusters to be totally recorded [1]. Results for the branching ratios of deexcitation of C5 and C9 formed by electron capture in high velocity % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+- % feaafaart1ev1aaatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn % hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXatLxBI9gBaerbd9wDYLwzYbItLDharqqtubsr % 4rNCHbGeaGqiVu0Je9sqqrpepC0xbbL8F4rqqrFfpeea0xe9Lq-Jc9 % vqaqpepm0xbba9pwe9Q8fs0-yqaqpepae9pg0FirpepeKkFr0xfr-x % fr-xb9adbaqaaeGaciGaaiaabeqaamaabaabaaGcbaGaae4qamaaDa % aaleaacaaI1aaabaGaey4kaScaaOGaaiilaiaaysW7caqGdbWaa0ba % aSqaaiaaiMdaaeaacqGHRaWkaaGccqGHRaWkcaqGibGaaeyzaaaa!3FFD! $$ {\rm{C}}_5^ + ,\;{\rm{C}}_9^ + + {\rm{He}} $$ collisions are presented. Theoretically, the dissociation dynamics of C5 has been investigated using a kinematical model based on the statistical theory of Weisskopf. In this model various structural quantities (geometries, dissociation energies, harmonic frequencies), are required for both the parent cluster and the fragments. They have been calculated within DFT and coupled-cluster formalisms for Cn up to n = 9. In all cases, a strong correlation between measured branching ratios and calculated dissociation energies is observed.

2(+) and 1(-) states in Zr-90 were populated via the (O-17, O-17 'gamma) reaction at 340 MeV. The gamma decay was measured with high resolution using the AGATA (advanced gamma tracking array demonstrator array). Differential cross sections were obtained at few different angles for the scattered particle. The results of the elastic scattering and inelastic excitation of 2(+), 3(,)(-) and 1(-) states are compared with distorted-wave Born approximation (DWBA) calculations, using both the standard collective form factor and a form factor obtained by folding microscopically calculated transition densities. This allowed to extract the isoscalar component of the 1(-) state at 6.424 MeV. The comparison of the present (17O, 17O 'gamma) data with existing (gamma,gamma') and (p, p') data in the corresponding region of the gamma continuum (6-11 MeV), characterized by a large E1 component, shows completely different behaviors of the cross section as a function of the nuclear excitation energy. The comparison of the data with DWBA calculations suggests a decrease of the isoscalar strength in the cross section with increasing excitation energy.

The shape transition in the neutron-rich Os isotopes is studied by investigating the neutron-rich 196Os nucleus through in-beam γ-ray spectroscopy using a two-proton transfer reaction from a 198Pt target to a 82Se beam. The beam-like recoils were detected and identified with the large-acceptance magnetic spectrometer PRISMA, and the coincident γ rays were measured with the advanced gamma tracking array (AGATA) demonstrator. The de-excitation of the low-lying levels of the yrast-band of 196Os were identified for the first time. The results are compared with state-of-the-art beyond-mean-field calculations, performed for the even-even 188-198Os isotopes. The new results suggest a smooth transition in the Os isotopes from a more axial rotational behavior towards predominately vibrational nuclei through triaxial configurations. An almost perfect γ-unstable/triaxial rotor yrast band is predicted for 196Os which is in agreement with the experimentally measured excited states

The properties of pygmy dipole states in Pb-208 were investigated using the Pb-208(O-17, O-17'gamma) reaction at 340 MeV and measuring the gamma decay with high resolution with the AGATA demonstrator array. Cross sections and angular distributions of the emitted gamma rays and of the scattered particles were measured. The results are compared with (gamma, gamma') and (p, p') data. The data analysis with the distorted wave Born approximation approach gives a good description of the elastic scattering and of the inelastic excitation of the 2(+) and 3(-) states. For the dipole transitions a form factor obtained by folding a microscopically calculated transition density was used for the first time. This has allowed us to extract the isoscalar component of the 1(-) excited states from 4 to 8 MeV.

The properties of pygmy dipole states in 208Pb were investigated using the 208Pb(17O, 17O'γ) reaction at 340 MeV and measuring the γ decay with high resolution with the AGATA demonstrator array. Cross sections and angular distributions of the emitted γ rays and of the scattered particles were measured. The results are compared with (γ, γ') and (p, p') data. The data analysis with the distorted wave Born approximation approach gives a good description of the elastic scattering and of the inelastic excitation of the 2+ and 3- states. For the dipole transitions a form factor obtained by folding a microscopically calculated transition density was used for the first time. This has allowed us to extract the isoscalar component of the 1- excited states from 4 to 8 MeV.

The neutron multidetector DeMoN has been used to investigate the symmetric splitting dynamics in the reactions 58,64 Ni + 208 Pb with excitation energies ranging from 65 to 186 MeV for the composite system. An analysis based on the new backtracing technique has been applied on the neutron data to determine the two-dimensional correlations between the parent composite system initial thermal energy (ECNth) and the total neutron multiplicity (νtot), and between pre- and post-scission neutron multiplicities (νpre and νpost, respectively). The νpre distribution shape indicates the possible coexistence of fast-fission and fusion-fission for the system 58 Ni + 208 Pb (Ebeam = 8.86 A MeV). The analysis of the neutron multiplicities in the framework of the combined dynamical statistical model (CDSM) gives a reduced friction coefficient β = 23 ± 1225 × 1021 s−1, above the one-body dissipation limit. The corresponding fission time is τf = 40 ± 2046 × 10−21s.

The formation and the deexcitation of the composite nucleus formed during the Ni + Al reaction at 28 A·MeV has been studied with the 4 π multidetector AMPHORA. A rigourous selection of the experimental data is described in order to extract a central collision sample. Then different models are compared to the data. The incomplete fusion process is in agreement with the data. The azimuthal angle correlations of He-Li and Li-Li pairs have been used to discriminate sequential or instantaneous emission. The sequential deexcitation is more consistent with all the data. The different analyses allow to describe all the characteristics of the compound nucleus and finally a fusion cross section of 300 ± 100 mbarn has been measured.

In nuclear physics, the term multifragmentation refers to the instantaneous break-up (partition) of a highly excited atomic nucleus into several fragments. We present a description of this process and an introduction to the application of equilibrium statistical mechanics in the analysis of the probabilities associated with partitions. La multifragmentation en physique nucleaire fait reference a la cassure instantannee (partition) d'un noyau fortement excite en plusieurs fragments. Nous proposons une description de ce processus et une introduction a l'application de la mecanique statistique a l'analyse des probabilites associees aux partitions.

The K hindrance to the gamma decay is studied in the warm rotating W-174 nucleus, focusing on the weakening of the selection rules of the K quantum number with increasing excitation energy. W-174 was populated by the fusion reaction of Ti-50 (at 217 MeV) on a Te-128 target, and its gamma decay was detected by the AGATA Demonstrator array coupled to a BaF2 multiplicity filter at Laboratori Nazionali di Legnaro of INFN. A fluctuation analysis of gamma coincidence matrices gives a similar number of low-K and high-K discrete excited bands. The results are compared to simulations of the gamma-decay flow based on a microscopic cranked shell model at finite temperature in which the K mixing is governed by the interplay of Coriolis force with the residual interaction. Agreement between simulations and experiment is obtained only by hindering the E1 decay between low-K and high-K bands by an amount compatible with that determined by spectroscopic studies of K isomers in the same mass region, with a similar trend with excitation energy. The work indicates that K mixing due to temperature effects may play a leading role for the entire body of discrete excited bands, which probes the onset region of K weakening.

The population of the high-spin isomers in ${}^{139}$Nd and ${}^{140}$Nd was investigated using the ${}^{96}$Zr(${}^{48}$Ca,$xn$) reaction and the JUROGAM + RITU + GREAT setup employing the recoil decay tagging technique. Three transitions feeding the 23/2${}^{+}$ isomer in ${}^{139}$Nd and two transitions feeding the 20${}^{+}$ isomer in ${}^{140}$Nd were identified. The newly observed transitions allowed the excitation energy of the isomer to be established in ${}^{139}$Nd and to assign configurations to the states and bands deexcited by the observed transitions in both nuclei.

Fragment emission from collisions of32S withnatAg at 37.5 A·MeV has been studied with the 4π multi-detector AMPHORA. Production of intermediate mass and heavy fragments as well as of light charged particles has been measured. The total charged particle multiplicity and polar angular distributions have been used to select various classes of collisions. Analysis of angular and energy distributions of fragments and light particles in central collisions indicates the formation of a hot source (excitation energy of≈4.4 A·MeV) with an additional contribution from a preequilibrium process at more forward angles. Azimuthal angle correlations of He-Li, Li-Li, B-B, and C-C pairs have been used as a tool to study the origin of complex fragments. Data at backward angles are well described by considering a thermalized emitter with an angular momentum around 70ℏ and a fragment emission time of the order of 200 fm/c. A microscopic approach of BNV type confirms these emission times and angular momenta indicating the persistence of an incomplete fusion process responsible for the emission of complex fragments at backward angles.

We apply the Boltzmann distribution to charge partition probabilities measured with the AMPHORA multidetector in the reaction 32S + 27Al at 37.5 MeV/ nucleon. Approximate corrections to the data for pre-equilibrium emission are made and modifications to the basic formalism due to detection e?ciency and evaporation are treated explicitly. The data are well reproduced with a temperature of 5.0 MeV and a freeze-out volume which corresponds to densities which are 20 times smaller than normal density.

Computer simulation occupies an increasingly important place between theory and experiment. Simulation on large computers (Monte Carlo sampling) makes it possible to realize the socalled synthetic analysis of complex phenomena in which the interactions between fundamental constituents are known but not the global behaviour of the system. This paper introduces a global protocol for the comparison of model simulations with experimental results. Basic statistical tools as well as a recursive inversion procedure and multivariate analysis techniques are described. This protocol is relevant in all fields of physics dealing with event generators and multiparametric experiments. In the present work, the protocol will be applied to a nuclear physics example (fragmentation of hot nuclei). It will be shown how it can give new insight in a particular reaction mechanism.

Gas ionization chambers of a special shape adapted for 4π detector systems are presented. Different anode wire configurations are discussed for three working gases: Ar + methane(10%), isobutane, and tetrafluoromethane.

We present an analysis which aims at explaining the similarities (and differences) which exist between a simple bond percolation process on a cubic lattice and the fragmentation of highly excited atomic nuclei. Emphasis is placed on discussing percolation in terms of concepts which are well known in nuclear physics such asQ-value and particle emission thresholds. Similarities and differences between the bond percolation process and nuclear fragmentation are discussed. An approximate expression for the microcanonical partition sum (number of microstates) corresponding to any given percolation partition is shown to provide a good starting point for predicting fragment size distributions.

This article presents a new analysis of primary projectile-like fragments produced in peripheral and mid-peripheral collisions in the reaction $^{40}\mathrm{Ca}$${+}^{\mathrm{nat}}$Cu at 35 MeV/nucleon. The data were obtained using the charged particle amphora array. The distributions of multiplicity, inclusive charge, and heaviest fragment charge of the deexcitation products as well as the moments characterizing the single event charge partitions are remarkably well reproduced by a statistical sequential binary decay model even up to excitation energies of more than 8 MeV/nucleon. The results produced by the sequential binary decay model and a simple bond percolation model are qualitatively very similar. However the sequential binary decay mechanism leads to charge fluctuations which are in better agreement with the data than those predicted by the percolation model.

We describe an experimental study of the [sup 32]S+[sup 27]Al reaction at 37.5 MeV/nucleon carried out with the AMPHORA multidetector. A small fraction of events in which the total charge was detected and which are shown to originate mainly from central collisions have been isolated and compared with statistical decay model predictions. Dynamical properties provide strong evidence for a radial directed collective component (blast wave) in the fragment energies which dominates the interfragment Coulomb repulsion and the thermal motion.

Starting from a parametrized canonical expression for partition weights we investigate effects of uncorrelated stochastic fluctuations in the parameters. A special class of weights which are not affected by uncorrelated fluctuations is isolated and used as a reference for a systematic analysis of fluctuations. The technique is appled to partition weights obtained from a simple bond breaking percolation simulation. Strong evidence for the existence of uncorrelated fluctuations is obtained. The effects of fluctuations and of finite size effects on scaled factorial moments of the mass distribution are analyzed and discussed.

Properties of projectile fragments produced in peripheral and midperipheral collisions in the reaction [sup 40]Ca + [sup nat]Cu at 35 MeV/nucleon were investigated using the AMPHORA multidetector. A reconstruction of the primary projectilelike fragments enabled simultaneous determination of their excitation energy and angular momentum. These quantities are in good agreement with predictions of simple macroscopic and microscopic collision models. Partition of excitation energy between primary projectile and targetlike fragments is discussed. The multiplicity and charge distributions of the primary projectilelike fragment deexcitation products are fairly well reproduced by a statistical binary-decay model.

The multidetector AMPHORA was used to investigate the reaction of 35 MeV per nucleon $^{40}\mathrm{Ca}$ ions with a $^{\mathrm{nat}}\mathrm{Cu}$ target. For 150 000 events corresponding to peripheral and midperipheral collisions, it was possible to reconstruct the primary projectilelike fragments and to calculate event by event the center of mass and the excitation energy. Comparison with a percolation simulation (charge moments, critical exponent) and a momentum ellipsoid analysis are presented and commented. No evidence for a change in disintegration mechanism with increasing excitation energy is found.

We discuss the effect of geometrical efficiency and detection energy thresholds of a typical heavy-ion 4π detector (AMPHORA at the ISN) on measurements at energies near 35 MeV/nucleon. The study is based on simulation data generated by two different models: a microscopic interaction code which describes central as well as peripheral collisions, and a statistical code that describes the emission of pre-equilibrium nucleons followed by evaporation from an equilibrated incomplete-fusion system. Two reactions are studied, 32 S+ 27 Al at 37.5 MeV/nucleon and 40 Ca+ 40 Ca at 35 MeV/nucleon. We have investigated the effect of the incomplete (and selective) detection of the charged particles on several variables (parallel momentum, multiplicities, charge distribution), momentum distribution variables and moments of the event-by-event charge distribution. The results show that the response of the detector severely distorts the variable distributions and that a selection is required to obtain a set of data that represents the original ensemble. Total detected charge ( Z P + Z T ) selection can give, depending on the system, an acceptable representation of some of the variables in central and semi-peripheral reactions but the effect of the detector depends strongly on the kinematics of the studied reaction. The optimum application of this selection appears to be associated to relatively light systems studied under conditions of inverse kinematics.