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International audience; The exact nature of the lowest Kπ=2+ rotational bands in all deformed nuclei remains obscure. Traditionally they are assumed to be collective vibrations of the nuclear shape in the γ degree of freedom perpendicular to the nuclear symmetry axis. Very few such γ bands have been traced past the usual backbending rotational alignments of high-j nucleons. We have investigated the structure of positive-parity bands in the N=90 nucleus Dy156, using the Nd148(C12,4n)Dy156 reaction at 65 MeV, observing the resulting γ-ray transitions with the Gammasphere array. The even- and odd-spin members of the Kπ=2+γ band are observed up to 32+ and 31+, respectively. This rotational band faithfully tracks the ground-state configuration to the highest spins. The members of a possible γ vibration built on the aligned yrast S band are observed up to spins 28+ and 27+. An even-spin positive-parity band, observed up to spin 24+, is a candidate for an aligned S band built on the seniority-zero configuration of the 0+2 state at 676 keV. The crossing of this band with the 0+2 band is at ℏωc=0.28(1)MeV and is consistent with the configuration of the 0+2 band not producing any blocking of the monopole pairing.

High-spin states with the seniority v ≥ 2 have been investigated in the neutron-rich 118,120,122,124,126Sn isotopes. They were produced in fusion-fission processes following 48Ca + 208Pb, 48Ca + 238U reactions and via fission of target nuclei in the 64Ni + 238U system. By employing techniques of delayed- and cross-coincidences, it was possible to establish level schemes up to an 8 MeV excitation energy. The 13- and 15- states were identified as being isomeric and their half-lives were determined. The reduced transition probabilities extracted for isomeric transitions behave very regularly with the mass number A. The spin-parity values assigned to or suggested for the identified states were supported by shell-model calculations and by systematics.

The exact nature of the lowest Kπ=2+ rotational bands in all deformed nuclei remains obscure. Traditionally they are assumed to be collective vibrations of the nuclear shape in the γ degree of freedom perpendicular to the nuclear symmetry axis. Very few such γ bands have been traced past the usual backbending rotational alignments of high-j nucleons. We have investigated the structure of positive-parity bands in the N=90 nucleus Dy156, using the Nd148(C12,4n)Dy156 reaction at 65 MeV, observing the resulting γ-ray transitions with the Gammasphere array. The even- and odd-spin members of the Kπ=2+γ band are observed up to 32+ and 31+, respectively. This rotational band faithfully tracks the ground-state configuration to the highest spins. The members of a possible γ vibration built on the aligned yrast S band are observed up to spins 28+ and 27+. An even-spin positive-parity band, observed up to spin 24+, is a candidate for an aligned S band built on the seniority-zero configuration of the 02+ state at 676 keV. The crossing of this band with the 02+ band is at ?ωc=0.28(1)MeV and is consistent with the configuration of the 02+ band not producing any blocking of the monopole pairing.

Coulomb-excitation experiments to study electromagnetic properties of radioactive even-even Hg isotopes were performed with 2.85 MeV/nucleon mercury beams from REX-ISOLDE. Magnitudes and relative signs of the reduced E2 matrix elements that couple the ground state and low-lying excited states in Hg182-188 were extracted. Information on the deformation of the ground and the first excited 0+ states was deduced using the quadrupole sum rules approach. Results show that the ground state is slightly deformed and of oblate nature, while a larger deformation for the excited 0+ state was noted in Hg182,184. The results are compared to beyond mean field and interacting-boson based models and interpreted within a two-state mixing model. Partial agreement with the model calculations was obtained. The presence of two different structures in the light even-mass mercury isotopes that coexist at low excitation energy is firmly established. ispartof: PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS vol:112 issue:16 ispartof: location:United States status: published

Fast-rotating N=151 isotones 245Pu, 247Cm and 249Cf have been studied through inelastic excitation and transfer reactions with radioactive targets. While all have a ground-state band built on a νj15/2[734]9/2- Nilsson configuration, new excited bands have also been observed in each isotone. These odd-N excited bands allow a comparison of the alignment behavior for two different configurations, where the νj15/2 alignment is either blocked or allowed. The effect of higher order deformations is explored through cranking calculations, which help clarify the elusive nature of νj15/2 alignments.

Excited states above the seniority ν=2 isomers have been investigated in even neutron-rich 118-128Sn isotopes produced by fusion-fission of 6.9 MeV/A Ca48 beams with Pb208 and U238 targets and by fission of 6.7 MeV/A Ni64 beams on a U238 target. Level schemes up to excitation energies in excess of 8 MeV have been established based on multifold γ-ray coincidence relationships measured with the Gammasphere array. Isotopic identification of crucial transitions was achieved through a number of techniques, including prompt and delayed cross-coincidence methods. As a result, seniority ν=4, 15-, and 13- isomers were observed and their half-lives determined. These long-lived states in turn served as steppingstones to delineate the isomeric decays and to locate higher-lying states with good sensitivity. As the observed isomeric decays feed down to 10+ and 7- isomers, firm spin-parity assignments could be proposed for most of the seniority ν=4 states. Higher-lying, seniority ν=6 levels were assigned tentatively on the basis of the observed deexcitation paths as well as of general yrast population arguments. Shell-model calculations were carried out down to Sn122 in the g7/2, d5/2, d3/2, s1/2, and h11/2 model space of neutron holes with respect to a Sn132 core. Effective two-body interactions were adjusted such that satisfactory agreement with data was achieved for Sn130. The results reproduce the experimental level energies and spin-parity assignments rather well. The intrinsic structure of the states is discussed on the basis of the calculated wave functions which, in many instances, point to complex configurations. In a few cases, the proposed assignments lead to unresolved issues. The smooth, systematic decrease of the level energies with mass A is accompanied by the similarly regular behavior with A of the reduced transition probabilities extracted from the isomeric half-lives. This A dependence is discussed for the E1 and E2 transitions in the decay of the seniority ν=4 isomers and is compared to that determined in earlier work for the E2 transition rates from the ν=2,3 isomers.

Coulomb-excitation experiments to study electromagnetic properties of radioactive even-even Hg isotopes were performed with 2.85 MeV/nucleon mercury beams from REX-ISOLDE. Magnitudes and relative signs of the reduced E2 matrix elements that couple the ground state and low-lying excited states in 182−188Hg were extracted. Information on the deformation of the ground and the first excited 0+ states was deduced using the quadrupole sum rules approach. Results show that the ground state is slightly deformed and of oblate nature, while a larger deformation for the excited 0+ state was noted in 182,184Hg. The results are compared to beyond mean field and interacting-boson based models and interpreted within a two-state mixing model. Partial agreement with the model calculations was obtained. The presence of two different structures in the light even-mass mercury isotopes that coexist at low excitation energy is firmly established., The authors would like to thank the ISOLDE facility for providing excellent beams. This work was supported by the FWO-Vlaanderen (Belgium), an FWO Pegasus Marie Curie Fellowship (L. P. G.), by GOA/2010/010 (BOF KULeuven), by the IAP Belgian Science Policy (BriX network P6/23 and P7/12), by the European Commission within the 7th Framework Programme through I3-ENSAR (Contract No. RII3-CT-2010-262010), by the U. K. Science and Technology Facilities Council, by the German BMBF under Contracts No. 06DA9036I, No. 05P12RDCIA, No. 06KY205I, No. 05P09PKCI5, No. 05P12PKFNE, No. 05P12WOFNF, and No. 09MT9156, Academy of Finland (Contract No. 131665), by the Spanish MINECO through FPA2010-17142 project and the Spanish Project No. FIS2011-28738-C02-02.

The β+/EC decay of 185Tl was studied at the ISOLDE acility, theγ-rays belonging to 185Hg have been identified and a partial low-spin level scheme of 185Hg has been built. The decay of 185m+gHg was studied at the ISOCELE facility. Conversion electron lines of very low-energy transitions were observed for the first time. Electron data have been obtained for four transitions in 185Au and two transitions in 185Hg. From the analysis performed using an internal energy calibration procedure the energy location of the 185mHg has been determined to beEIS = 103.7(4) keV. This EIS value is consistent with that determined independently,EIS = 94(13) keV, using 185m+gHg α-decay data from literature. Newαparticles emitted from 189m+gPb have been detected and their origins determined by in-source laser spectroscopy at the ISOLDE facility.α-γcoincidence results have served to locate the 13/2+ isomeric state of 189Pb at EIS = 40(4) keV. This latterEIS value added to α-decay data from literature have allowed the energy location of the 13/2+ isomeric states of 193Po and 197Rn at 95(7) keV and 194(12) keV, respectively. The nuclear structure of the isomeric and ground states in the nuclei of the threeα-emitter chains starting with 195m+g, 197m+g, 199m+gRn are discussed. ispartof: European Physical Journal A, Hadrons and Nuclei vol:49 issue:9 pages:2-17 status: published

High-seniority excitations above the 10+ and 27=2-isomeric states were investigated with gamma coincidence techniques in neutron-rich Sn isotopes produced in fission processes following 48Ca+208Pb, 48Ca+238U and 64Ni+238U reactions. In the data analysis, the delayed gamma coincidence technique was used to establish high-spin state structures in all Sn isotopes with isomeric half-lives below 10 sec. For cases with long-lived isomeric states, the gamma cross-coincidence method was employed to identify such structures. The relevant features of the fusion-fission process were investigated to enable these identifications. The discussion of some details of these analyses is followed by two examples of the results obtained: the 124Sn level scheme and the level energy systematics for selected states established in even Sn isotopes.

Excited states of 76Ge have been populated in above-barrier Coulomb excitation and inelastic scattering of a 530-MeV 76Ge beam on a 238U target and studied using in-beam γ-ray spectroscopy with the Gammasphere array. The γ band was extended considerably and one new band was identified. Comparisons of the γ band with collective- and shell-model calculations suggest that 76Ge may be a rare example of a nucleus exhibiting rigid triaxial deformation in the low-lying states.

The nuclei 65,67Cu were studied in reactions between a 430-MeV 64Ni beam and a thick 238U target with the Gammasphere array. Decay schemes for both nuclei have been extended, with spin and parity assignments of observed states constrained by measured γ-ray angular distributions and correlations. Positive-parity level structures, based on p3/2 protons coupled to negative-parity states in the Ni cores, have been identified above the known 9/2+ states. In 67Cu, a negative-parity dipole band built upon a πf7/2-1 state has been observed, as were two shorter negative-parity sequences. A qualitative description of the level structures has been obtained through comparison with systematics of the odd-A57-71Cu isotopes and with states in the neighboring even-even Ni and Zn cores. Shell-model calculations using JUN45 and jj44b effective interactions were performed for 65,67Cu, with jj44b providing overall better agreement with the data. Both are limited, however, by the restriction that the f7/2 and g9/2 orbitals are not available simultaneously in the basis. Proton f7/2 and neutron g9/2 orbitals are required for the full negative-parity spectrum of states, while g9/2 protons and neutrons are both important for positive-parity levels. The latter states are found to be better described in terms of weak coupling of a proton to the Ni core.

Intermediate-energy Coulomb excitation measurements were performed on the neutron-rich isotopes 58,60,62Cr. The electric quadrupole excitation strengths, B(E2; 01+→21+), of 60,62Cr are determined for the first time. The results quantify the trend of increasing quadrupole collectivity in the Cr isotopes approaching neutron number N=40. The results are confronted with large-scale shell-model calculations in the fpgd shell using the state-of-the-art LNPS effective interaction. Different sets of effective charges are discussed that provide an improved and robust description of the B(E2) values of the neutron-rich Fe and Cr isotopes in this region of rapid shell evolution. The ratio of the neutron and proton transition matrix elements, |Mn/Mp|, is proposed as an effective tool to discriminate between the various choices of effective charges.

Excited states in 64Ni, 66Ni, and 68Ni were populated in quasielastic and deep-inelastic reactions of a 430-MeV 64Ni beam on a thick 238U target. Level schemes including many nonyrast states were established up to respective excitation energies of 6.8, 8.2, and 7.8 MeV on the basis of γ-ray coincidence events measured with the Gammasphere array. Spin-parity assignments were deduced from an angular-correlation analysis and from observed γ-decay patterns, but information from earlier γ-spectroscopy and nuclear-reaction studies was used as well. The spin assignments for nonyrast states were supported further by their observed population pattern in quasielastic reactions selected through a cross-coincidence technique. Previously established isomeric-state decays in 66Ni and 68Ni were verified and delineated more extensively through a delayed-coincidence analysis. A number of new states located above these long-lived states were identified. Shell-model calculations were carried out in the p3/2f5/2p 1/2g9/2 model space with two effective interactions using a 56Ni core. Satisfactory agreement between experimental and computed level energies was achieved, even though the calculations indicate that all the states are associated with rather complex configurations. This complexity is illustrated through the discussion of the structure of the negative-parity states and of the M1 decays between them. The best agreement between data and calculations was achieved for 68Ni, the nucleus where the calculated states have the simplest structure. In this nucleus, the existence of two low-spin states reported recently was confirmed as well. Results of the present study do not indicate any involvement of collective degrees of freedom and confirm the validity of a shell-model description in terms of neutron excitations combined with a closed Z = 28 proton shell. Further improvements to the calculations are desirable.

Intermediate-energy Coulomb excitation measurements were performed on the neutron-rich isotopes 58,60,62Cr. The electric quadrupole excitation strengths, B(E2; 0+ 1 → 2+ 1 ), of 60,62Cr are determined for the first time. The results quantify the trend of increasing quadrupole collectivity in the Cr isotopes approaching neutron number N = 40. The results are confronted with large-scale shell-model calculations in the fpgd shell using the state-of-the-art LNPS effective interaction. Different sets of effective charges are discussed that provide an improved and robust description of the B(E2) values of the neutron-rich Fe and Cr isotopes in this region of rapid shell evolution. The ratio of the neutron and proton transition matrix elements, |Mn/Mp|, is proposed as an effective tool to discriminate between the various choices of effective charges, This work was funded by the National Science Foundation under Contract No. PHY-0606007; by the US Department of Energy, Office of Nuclear Physics, under Contracts No. DE-AC02-06CH11357 and No. DE-FG02-08ER41556, and by the United Kingdom Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). A.P. is supported by the MICINN (Spain) (Grant No. FPA2011-29854) and by the Comunidad de Madrid (Spain) (Grant No. HEPHACOS S2009-ESP-1473)

The ground state properties of Mg-31 indicate a change of nuclear shape at N = 19 with a deformed J(pi) = 1/2(+) intruder state as a ground state, implying that Mg-31 is part of the "island of inversion". The collective properties of excited states were the subject of a Coulomb excitation experiment at REX-ISOLDE, CERN, employing a radioactive Mg-31 beam. De-excitation gamma-rays were detected by the MINIBALL gamma-spectrometer in coincidence with scattered particles in a segmented Si-detector. The level scheme of Mg-3I was extended. Spin and parity assignment of the 945 keV state yielded 5/2(+) and its de-excitation is dominated by a strong collective M1 transition. Comparison of the transition probabilities of Mg-30,Mg-31,Mg-32 establishes that for the N = 19 magnesium isotope not only the ground state but also excited states are largely dominated by a deformed pf intruder configuration. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Gamma rays assigned to 2872Ni44 have been identified with Gammasphere in deep-inelastic reactions involving a 450-MeV 76Ge beam and a 198Pt target. Using a combination of spectra produced by double gates on the known 454-, 843-, and 1095-keV members of the ground-state cascade, a coincident line at 199 keV has been identified and is tentatively assigned as the 8+→6 + transition. These γ-ray coincidences have been observed only in prompt events, indicating an 8+ half-life below 20 ns and requiring a large B(E2) enhancement compared to that expected from a seniority scheme. This value is consistent with models showing decay to a seniority ν=4, 6+ level that is depressed by the same two-body interaction responsible for the rather low 1095-keV 21+ energy, as compared to the valence-symmetry counterpart 4494Ru50.

The energies of 2-quasiparticle (2-qp) states in heavy shell-stabilized nuclei provide information on the single-particle states that are responsible for the stability of superheavy nuclei. We have calculated the energies of 2-qp states in Rf256, which suggest that a long-lived, low-energy 8- isomer should exist. A search was conducted for this isomer through a calorimetric conversion electron signal, sandwiched in time between implantation of a Rf256 nucleus and its fission decay, all within the same pixel of a double-sided Si strip detector. A 17(5)-μs isomer was identified. However, its low population, ~5(2)% that of the ground state instead of the expected ~30%, suggests that it is more likely a 4-qp isomer. Possible reasons for the absence of an electromagnetic signature of a 2-qp isomer decay are discussed. These include the favored possibility that the isomer decays by fission, with a half-life indistinguishably close to that of the ground state. Another possibility, that there is no 2-qp isomer at all, would imply an abrupt termination of axially symmetric deformed shapes at Z=104, which describes nuclei with Z=92-103 very well.

The energies of 2-quasiparticle (2-qp) states in heavy shell-stabilized nuclei provide information on the single-particle states that are responsible for the stability of superheavy nuclei. We have calculated the energies of 2-qp states in (256)Rf, which suggest that a long-lived, low-energy 8(-) isomer should exist. A search was conducted for this isomer through a calorimetric conversion electron signal, sandwiched in time between implantation of a (256)Rf nucleus and its fission decay, all within the same pixel of a double-sided Si strip detector. A 17(5)-mu s isomer was identified. However, its low population, similar to 5(2)% that of the ground state instead of the expected similar to 30%, suggests that it is more likely a 4-qp isomer. Possible reasons for the absence of an electromagnetic signature of a 2-qp isomer decay are discussed. These include the favored possibility that the isomer decays by fission, with a half-life indistinguishably close to that of the ground state. Another possibility, that there is no 2-qp isomer at all, would imply an abrupt termination of axially symmetric deformed shapes at Z = 104, which describes nuclei with Z = 92-103 very well.

Excited states in the neutron-deficient nucleus Ta167 were studied through the Sn120(V51,4n) reaction. Twelve rotational bands have been observed and the relative excitation energy of each sequence is now known owing to the multiple interband connections. Several quasineutron alignments were observed that aided in the quasiparticle assignments of these bands. The resulting interpretation is in line with observations in neighboring nuclei. Trends in the wobbling phonon energy seen in Lu161,163,165,167 and Ta167 are also discussed and particle-rotor model calculations (assuming constant moments of inertia) are found to be inconsistent with the experimental data.

Post-accelerated isomerically purified radioactive beams, available at the CERN On-Line Isotope Mass Separator facility using the resonant ionization laser technique, have been used to study the Coulomb excitation of the I(pi) = 3(-) state in (70)Cu (Z = 29, N = 41). While first results using a I(pi) = 6(-) beam were reported previously, the present complementary experiment allows us to complete the study of the multiplet of states (3(-), 4(-), 5(-), 6(-)) arising from the pi 2p(3)/(2)nu 1g(9/2) configuration. Besides the known gamma-ray transition deexciting the 4(-) state, a ground-state. ray of 511(3) keV was observed for the first time and was unambiguously associated with the 5(-) state deexcitation. This observation fixes the energy, spin, and parity of this state, completing the low-energy level scheme of (70)Cu. B(E2) values for all possible E2 transitions within the multiplet were determined. A comparison with large-scale shell model calculations using different interactions and valence spaces shows the importance of proton excitation across the Z = 28 shell gap and the role of the 2d(5/2) neutron orbital. Physical Review C

The B(E2; I-i -> I-f) values for transitions in Ga-71(31)40 and Ga-73(31)42 were deduced from a Coulomb excitation experiment at the safe energy of 2.95 MeV/nucleon using post-accelerated beams of Ga-71,Ga-73 at the REX-ISOLDE on-line isotope mass separator facility. The emitted gamma rays were detected by the MINIBALL gamma-detector array, and B(E2; I-i -> I-f) values were obtained from the yields normalized to the known strength of the 2(+) -> 0(+) transition in the Sn-120 target. The comparison of these new results with the data of less neutron-rich gallium isotopes shows a shift of the E2 collectivity toward lower excitation energy when adding neutrons beyond N = 40. This supports conclusions from previous studies of the gallium isotopes, which indicated a structural change in this isotopic chain between N = 40 and 42. Combined with recent measurements from collinear laser spectroscopy showing a 1/2(-) spin and parity for the ground state, the extracted results revealed evidence for a 1/2(-), 3/2(-) doublet near the ground state in Ga-73(31)42 differing by at most 0.8 keV in energy.