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International audience; A β-decay experiment aiming at investigation of the low-spin structure of 100Zr was performed using the GRIFFIN spectrometer at TRIUMFISAC. Based on the obtained data, a new 2 + state is postulated which is degenerate in energy with the established (5+) level at 2209 keV.

Gamma-Ray Infrastructure For Fundamental Investigations of Nuclei, GRIFFIN, is a new high-efficiency γ -ray spectrometer designed for use in decay spectroscopy experiments with low-energy radioactive ion beams provided by TRIUMF’s Isotope Separator and Accelerator (ISAC-I) facility. GRIFFIN is composed of sixteen Compton-suppressed large-volume clover-type high-purity germanium (HPGe) γ -ray detectors combined with a suite of ancillary detection systems and coupled to a custom digital data acquisition system. The infrastructure and detectors of the spectrometer as well as the performance characteristics and the analysis techniques applied to the experimental data are described.

The $\beta$-decay of neutron-rich $^{129}$In into $^{129}$Sn was studied using the GRIFFIN spectrometer at the ISAC facility at TRIUMF. The study observed the half-lives of the ground state and each of the $\beta$-decaying isomers. The level scheme of $^{129}$Sn has been expanded with thirty-one new $\gamma$-ray transitions and nine new excited levels, leading to a re-evaluation of the $\beta$-branching ratios and level spin assignments. The observation of the $\beta$-decay of the (29/2$^{+}$) 1911-keV isomeric state in $^{129}$In is reported for the first time, with a branching ratio of 2.0(5)$\%$.

A high-precision branching ratio measurement for the superallowed Fermi $\beta^{+}$ emitter $^{62}$Ga was performed with the Gamma-Ray Infrastructure for Fundamental Investigations of Nuclei (GRIFFIN) spectrometer at the Isotope Separator and Accelerator (ISAC) radioactive ion beam facility at TRIUMF. The high efficiency of the GRIFFIN spectrometer allowed 63 $\gamma$-ray transitions, with intensities down to $\approx$1 part per million (ppm) per $^{62}$Ga $\beta^{+}$ decay, to be placed in the level scheme of the daughter nucleus $^{62}$Zn, establishing the superallowed $\beta$ branching ratio for $^{62}$Ga decay to be 99.8577$^{+0.0023}_{-0.0029}\%$, a factor of 4 more precise than the previous world average. For several cascades, $\gamma-\gamma$ angular correlation measurements were performed to assign spins and/or determine the mixing ratios of transitions. In particular, the spin of the 2.342 MeV excited state in the daughter nucleus $^{62}$Zn was definitively assigned as $J = 0$. This assignment resolves a discrepancy between previous measurements and has important implications for the isospin symmetry breaking correction, $\delta_{C1}$, in $^{62}$Ga superallowed Fermi $\beta$ decay.

Spectroscopy of doubly magic $^{132}_{50}$Sn$_{82}$ has been performed with the GRIFFIN spectrometer at TRIUMF-ISAC following the $\beta$ decay of $^{132}_{49}$In$_{83}$. The analysis has allowed for the placement of a total of 70 transitions and 29 excited states in $^{132}$Sn. Detailed spectroscopy has also been performed on $^{131}$Sb, resulting from the $\beta$ decay of $^{131}$Sn, produced from the $\beta$-delayed neutron decay of $^{132}$In. Measurement of $\gamma$-rays in both $^{131}$Sn and $^{131}$Sb has led to the determination of the $\beta$-delayed neutron emission probability, $P_{n}$, from $^{132}$In. This is the first time the $P_{n}$ has been measured for this nucleus using $\gamma$ spectroscopy, and the new value of 12.3(4)% is consistent with the most recent $\beta-n$ counting experiment. Additionally, $\gamma$-$\gamma$ angular correlations have been performed in $^{132}$Sn, supporting the spin assignments of several excited states. Novel ab initio calculations are presented which describe several of the excited states, and these are compared to the experimental spectrum.

International audience; The low-energy electromagnetic structure of 110Cd was studied using safe-energy Coulomb excitation at the Heavy Ion Laboratory, University of Warsaw. The preliminary results on the quadrupole deformation of lowlying 0+ states in 110Cd are presented and compared to the recent beyondmean-field and General Bohr Hamiltonian calculations.

Lifetimes of ${2}_{1}^{+}$ and ${4}_{1}^{+}$ states as well as some negative-parity and nonyrast states in $^{188--200}\mathrm{Hg}$ were measured using $\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ electronic fast timing techniques with the ${\mathrm{LaBr}}_{3}(\mathrm{Ce})$ detector array of the GRIFFIN spectrometer. The excited states were populated in the $\ensuremath{\epsilon}/{\ensuremath{\beta}}^{+}$ decay of ${J}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}={7}^{+}/{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}\phantom{\rule{0.28em}{0ex}}^{188--200}\mathrm{Tl}$ produced at the TRIUMF-ISAC facility. The deduced $B(E2)$ values are compared to different interacting boson model predictions. The precision achieved in this paper over previous ones allows for a meaningful comparison with the different theoretical models of these transitional Hg isotopes, which confirms the onset of state mixing in $^{190}\mathrm{Hg}$.

In recent years, a number of both theoretical and experimental investigations have been performed focusing on the zirconium isotopic chain. In particular, state-of-the-art Monte Carlo shell-model calculations predict shape coexistence in these isotopes. In this context, the 94Zr nucleus, which is believed to possess a nearly spherical ground state, is particularly interesting since the purported deformed structure is basedon the low-lying 02+ state, making it amenable for detailed study. In order to provide definitive conclusionson the shapes of the low-lying states, two complementary experiments to study 94Zr by means of low-energy Coulomb excitation were performed. This data will allow the quadrupole moments of the 21,2+ levels to be extracted as well as for the deformation parameters of the 01,2+ states to be determined and, thus, definitive conclusions to be drawn on the role of shape coexistence in this nucleus for the first time. The first experiment was performed at the INFN Legnaro National Laboratory with the GALILEO-SPIDER setup, which, for the first time, was coupled with 6 lanthanum bromide scintillators (LaBr3:Ce) in order to maximize the γ-ray detection effciency. The second experiment was performed at the Maier-Leibnitz Laboratory (MLL) in Munich and used a Q3D magnetic spectrograph to detect the scattered 12C ions following Coulomb excitation of 94Zr targets.

The half-lives of three β-decaying states of 13149In82 have been measured with the GRIFFIN γ-ray spectrometer at the TRIUMF-ISAC facility to be T1/2(1/2−)=328(15)ms, T1/2(9/2+)=265(8)ms, and T1/2(21/2+)=323(55)ms, respectively. The first observation of γ rays following the βn decay of 131In into 130Sn is reported. The β-delayed neutron emission probability is determined to be P1n=12(7)% for the 21/2+ state and 2.3(3)% from the combined 1/2− and 9/2+ states of 13149In82 observed in this experiment. A significant expansion of the decay scheme of 131In, including 17 new excited states and 35 new γ-ray transitions in 13150Sn81 is also reported. This leads to large changes in the deduced β-branching ratios to some of the low-lying states of 131Sn compared to previous work with implications for the strength of the first-forbidden β transitions in the vicinity of doubly magic 13250Sn82. (Less)

A high-precision half-life measurement for the superallowed Fermi ${\ensuremath{\beta}}^{+}$ emitter $^{22}\mathrm{Mg}$ was performed at the TRIUMF-ISAC facility using a $4\ensuremath{\pi}$ proportional gas counter. The result of ${T}_{1/2}=3.87400\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.00079$ s is a factor of 3 more precise than the previously adopted world average and resolves a discrepancy between the two previously published $^{22}\mathrm{Mg}$ half-life measurements.

Gamma-Ray Infrastructure For Fundamental Investigations of Nuclei (GRIFFIN) is a new high-efficiency $\gamma$-ray spectrometer for decay spectroscopy research with low-energy (20-60 keV) stopped radioactive beams from the Isotope Separator and Accelerator (ISAC) facility at TRIUMF in Vancouver, Canada. GRIFFIN is comprised of 16 HPGe clover detectors and hosts a suite of auxiliary detection systems for tagging $\beta$ particles, neutrons, and internal conversion electrons in coincidence with $\gamma$ rays. GRIFFIN is a powerful new tool for studying the nuclear structure of exotic short-lived isotopes far from stability, and for measuring weak $\gamma$-ray branches that are important in tests of fundamental symmetries and nuclear astrophysics. In this work, first results from the GRIFFIN physics program will be discussed, including a recent measurement of the half-lives of the neutron-rich $^{128-130}$Cd and $^{131}$In isotopes.

High precision measurements of the $ft$ values for superallowed Fermi $\beta$ transitions between $J^\pi~=~0^+$ isobaric analogue states allow for stringent tests of the electroweak interaction described by the Standard Model. These transitions provide an experimental probe of the Conserved-Vector-Current hypothesis, enable the most precise determination of the up-down ($V_{ud}$) element of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa quark-mixing matrix, and allow one to set stringent limits on the existence of scalar currents in the weak interaction. An extensive program of superallowed branching-ratio and half-life measurements at TRIUMF's Isotope Separator and Accelerator (ISAC) facility has covered the full range of superallowed emitters, from the lightest case, $^{10}$C, to the heaviest case for which precision data are currently available, $^{74}$Rb. These experiments have been performed using a 4$\pi$ continuous-flow gas proportional $\beta$ counter, the 8$\pi$ $\gamma$-ray spectrometer, and, most recently, the new high-efficiency GRIFFIN $\gamma$-ray spectrometer. In this paper, recent highlights from the superallowed Fermi $\beta$ decay program at TRIUMF will be summarized, including high-precision half-life measurements for all three of the lightest superallowed emitters, $^{10}$C, $^{14}$O, and $^{18}$Ne, with the greatest sensitivity to a potential weak scalar current contribution, as well as high-precision branching-ratio measurements for the heavy superallowed emitters $^{62}$Ga and $^{74}$Rb.

The $\ensuremath{\beta}$-decay half-lives of $^{128--130}\mathrm{Cd}$ have been measured with the newly commissioned GRIFFIN $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray spectrometer at the TRIUMF-ISAC facility. The time structures of the most intense $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays emitted following the $\ensuremath{\beta}$ decay were used to determine the half-lives of $^{128}\mathrm{Cd}$ and $^{130}\mathrm{Cd}$ to be ${T}_{1/2}=246.2\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}(21)$ ms and ${T}_{1/2}=126\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}(4)$ ms, respectively. The half-lives of the $3/{2}^{+}$ and $11/{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ states of $^{129}\mathrm{Cd}$ were measured to be ${T}_{1/2}(3/{2}^{+})=157\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}(8)$ ms and ${T}_{1/2}(11/{2}^{\ensuremath{-}})=147\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}(3)$ ms. The half-lives of the Cd isotopes around the $N=82$ shell closure are an important ingredient in astrophysical simulations to derive the magnitude of the second $r$-process abundance peak in the $A\ensuremath{\sim}130$ region. Our new results are compared with recent literature values and theoretical calculations.

The β-decay half lives of nuclei near the r-process path are critical information required for abundance calculations, especially those near neutron number N = 82. Specifically, the nuclei below doubly-magic 132Sn are key, and play an important role in the formation and shape of the second r-process abundance peak. The half lives in this region are challenging to measure due to the significant β-delayed neutron decay branches and the population of isomeric states with half lives comparable to the ground states. However, by measuring the time distribution of γ rays, these complications can be eliminated. This requires, however, a very effcient γ-ray spectrometer since the production of isotopes in this region is very limited. The new GRIFFIN array at TRIUMF-ISAC provides the high effciency required for these measurements. Recent improvements in the quality of the beams produced at TRIUMF, employing the IG-LIS device, are outlined, as well as the current status of the ARIEL facility. The GRIFFIN spectrometer and its use are briefly described. The experiment to measure the half lives of 128-130Cd is outlined and the results given, and some examples of the power of GRIFFIN to expand decay schemes, specifically for the decay of 128Cd to 128In, are given.

Over a 12 year period, the 8π γ-ray spectrometer at the TRIUMF-ISAC facility was a world unique device for β-decay studies. Equipped with a variety of auxiliary devices, it was used in studies of Fermi superallowed β+ emitters, and nuclear structure studies far from stability and those employing high-statistics measurements. In the present contribution, this latter use is highlighted with examples of recent data obtained in the decay of 122Cs to 122Xe. The 8π spectrometer was replaced with the much more powerful GRIFFIN facility in 2014, ensuring world-leading capability for γ-ray spectroscopy following β decay at TRIUMF-ISAC for the next generation. Examples that highlight GRIFFIN’s capabilities are given.

International audience

The half-life of the superallowed Fermi ${\ensuremath{\beta}}^{+}$ emitter $^{18}\mathrm{Ne}$ has been determined via two high-precision $\ensuremath{\beta}$ counting experiments at TRIUMF's Isotope Separator and Accelerator facility. Using two different $4\ensuremath{\pi}$ continuous-flow gas-proportional counters, two independent measurements were made, yielding a weighted average of ${T}_{1/2}=1.{66400}_{\ensuremath{-}0.00048}^{+0.00057}$ s, which is consistent with but approximately 2 times more precise than a previous high-precision measurement based on $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray counting. The present work achieves $\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.034%$ precision for the $^{18}\mathrm{Ne}$ half-life and will enable the inclusion of $^{18}\mathrm{Ne}$ among the set of precisely measured superallowed Fermi $\ensuremath{\beta}$-decay $ft$ values once improved measurements are made for its $Q$ value and superallowed branching ratio. As a test of systematic uncertainties, the half-life of $^{23}\mathrm{Ne}$ was measured and the world average has been improved, by a factor of 1.7, to $37.148\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.032$ s.

The 8 pi spectrometer, installed at the TRIUMF-ISAC facility, was the world's most sensitive gamma-ray spectrometer dedicated to beta-decay studies. A description is given of the 8 pi spectrometer and its auxiliary detectors including the plastic scintillator array SCEPTAR used for beta-particle tagging and the Si(Li) array PACES for conversion electron measurements, its moving tape collector, and its data acquisition system. The recent investigation of the decay of Cs-124 to study the nuclear structure of Xe-124, and how the beta-decay measurements complemented previous Coulomb excitation studies, is highlighted, including the extraction of the deformation parameters for the excited 0(+) bands in Xe-124. As a by-product, the decay scheme of the (7(+)) Cs-124 isomeric state, for which the data from the PACES detectors were vital, was studied. Finally, a description of the new GRIFFIN spectrometer, which uses the same auxiliary detectors as the 8 pi spectrometer, is given.