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Lifetime measurements of excited states in Hg-178 have been performed using the Rh-103(Kr-78, p2n) reaction at a beam energy of 354 MeV. The recoil-decay tagging (RDT) technique was applied to select the Hg-178 nuclei and associate the prompt gamma rays with the correlated characteristic ground-state alpha decay. Lifetimes of the four lowest yrast states of Hg-178 have been determined using the recoil distance Doppler-shift (RDDS) method. The experimental data are compared to theoretical predictions with focus on shape coexistence. The results confirm the shift of the deformed prolate structures to higher lying states but also indicate their increasing deformation with decreasing neutron number.

The evolution of collectivity with spin along the yrast line in the neutron-deficient nucleus $^{112}\mathrm{Te}$ has been studied by measuring the reduced transition probability of excited states in the yrast band. In particular, the lifetimes of the ${4}^{+}$ and ${6}^{+}$ excited states have been determined by using the recoil distance Doppler-shift method. The results are discussed using both large-scale shell-model and total Routhian surface calculations.

WOS: 000406755100001, Lifetimes of excited states in the yrast band of the neutron-deficient nuclide W-166 have been measured utilizing the DPUNS plunger device at the target position of the JUROGAM II gamma-ray spectrometer in conjunction with the RITU gas-filled separator and the GREAT focal-plane spectrometer. Excited states in W-166 were populated in the Mo-92(Kr-78, 4p) reaction at a bombarding energy of 380 MeV. The measurements reveal a low value for the ratio of reduced transitions probabilities for the lowest-lying transitions B(E2; 4(+)-> 2(+)) / B(E2; 2(+)-> 0(+)) = 0.33(5), compared with the expected ratio for an axially deformed rotor (B-4/2 = 1.43)., EURONS (European Commission)European Commission Joint Research Centre [RII3-CT-2004-506065]; Academy of Finland under the Finnish Centre of Excellence Programme (Nuclear and Accelerator Based Physics) [213503]; UK Science and Technology Facilities CouncilScience & Technology Facilities Council (STFC); Academy of FinlandAcademy of Finland [131665], This work has been supported through EURONS (European Commission Contract No. RII3-CT-2004-506065), the Academy of Finland under the Finnish Centre of Excellence Programme 2006-2011 (Nuclear and Accelerator Based Physics Contract No. 213503), and the UK Science and Technology Facilities Council. The UK/France (STFC/IN2P3) Loan Pool and GAMMAPOOL network are acknowledged for the EUROGAMdetectors of JUROGAMII. T.G. acknowledge the support of the Academy of Finland (Contract No. 131665).

A new plunger device has been designed and built to measure the lifetimes of unbound states in exotic nuclei beyond the proton drip-line. The device has been designed to work in both vacuum and dilute-gas environments made possible through the introduction of a low-voltage stepping motor. DPUNS will be used in conjunction with the gas-filled separator RITU and the vacuum separator MARA at the accelerator laboratory of the University of Jyvaskyla, Finland, to measure the lifetimes of excited states with low population cross-sections. This is achieved by eliminating the need for a carbon foil to isolate the helium gas of RITU from the beam line thus reducing the background from beam-foil reactions. The inclusion of a high-sampling rate data acquisition card increases further the sensitivity of the device. The plunger will be used to address many key facets of nuclear structure physics with particular emphasis on the effect of deformation on proton emission rates.

Excited states in the proton-unbound nucleus 151Lu have been established using γ-ray coincidence techniques. The lifetime of the first excited state above the proton-emitting ground state has been measured using the recoil-distance Doppler-shift method combined with recoil-decay tagging. The experimental level scheme and extracted lifetime have been compared with state-of-the-art theoretical calculations based upon a non-adiabatic deformed Woods–Saxon potential. This comparison suggests that the proton-emitting ground state in 151Lu is mildly oblate with a deformation β = − 0.11 − 0.05 + 0.02 and represents the best evidence to date for proton emission from an oblate nucleus.

A dipole band of six transitions built upon a firmly established Iπ=31/2- isomeric state has been identified in Pb189 using recoil-isomer tagging. This is the lightest odd-mass Pb nucleus in which ...

A lifetime measurement has been made for the first excited 11/2(+) state in the proton-unbound nucleus (109)(53)I56 using the recoil-distance Doppler-shift method in conjunction with recoil-proton ...

The lifetime of the 2(+) --> 0(g.s.)(+) transition in the neutron-deficicient nucleus Te-112 has been measured for the first time using the DPUNS plunger and the recoil distance Doppler shift te ...

Gamma rays from excited states feeding a proton-emitting isomeric-state in Lu-151 have been observed for the first time. Comparison with state-of-the-art nonadiabatic quasiparticle calculations indicates an oblately deformed, 3/2(+) proton-emitting state with a quadrupole deformation of beta(2) = -0.11. The calculations suggest an increase in quadrupole deformation, to beta(2) = -0.18, with increasing spin which is understood in terms of the mixing of Nilsson states at the Fermi surface. It is also shown that the proton decay half-life is consistent with that from a 3/2(+) state with a quadrupole deformation of beta(2) = -0.12.

Gamma rays from excited states feeding a proton-emitting isomeric-state in 151Lu have been observed for the first time. Comparison with state-of-the-art nonadiabatic quasiparticle calculations indicates an oblately deformed, 3/2+ proton-emitting state with a quadrupole deformation of β2 = −0.11. The calculations suggest an increase in quadrupole deformation, to β2 = −0.18, with increasing spin which is understood in terms of the mixing of Nilsson states at the Fermi surface. It is also shown that the proton decay half-life is consistent with that from a 3/2+ state with a quadrupole deformation of β2 = −0.12. peerReviewed

To understand the low-energy structure of the neutron deficient iodine isotopes, lifetimes for the low-lying $9/{2}^{+}$ and $11/{2}^{+}$ positive-parity states in ${}^{113}$I have been measured as $\ensuremath{\tau}=28(4)$ ps and $\ensuremath{\tau}=3.7(7)$ ps, respectively. The lifetime for the $11/{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ state, which feeds the $9/{2}^{+}$ and $11/{2}^{+}$ states, was remeasured with improved accuracy as $\ensuremath{\tau}=216(7)$ ps. The reduced transition probability, $B(E2)=32(5)$ W.u., for the $9/{2}^{+}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}5/{2}^{+}$ transition agrees with that calculated within the shell model using a Hamiltonian based on the charge-dependent Bonn nucleon-nucleon interaction. In contrast, the much larger transition probability, $B(E2)=209(39)$ W.u., measured for the $11/{2}^{+}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}7/{2}^{+}$ transition has been interpreted, with the aid of configuration-constrained total Routhian surface calculations, as resulting from a slightly $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-soft rotor with an associated quadrupole deformation of ${\ensuremath{\beta}}_{2}\ensuremath{\approx}0.18$. Remarkably similar reduced $E1$ transition probabilities of $5.5(5)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ and $4.9(5)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ W.u. were deduced for the $11/{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}9/{2}^{+}$ and $11/{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}11/{2}^{+}$ transitions, respectively, which feed apparently dissimilar but competing structures.

An in-beam study has been performed to further investigate the known isomeric decays and to identify $T=1$ excited states in the medium-heavy $N=Z=33$ nucleus ${}^{66}$As. The fusion-evaporation reaction ${}^{40}$Ca(${}^{28}$Si,$pn$)${}^{66}$As was employed at beam energies of 75 and 83 MeV. The half-lives and ordering of two known isomeric states in ${}^{66}$As have been determined with improved accuracy. In addition, several prompt $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray transitions from excited states, both bypassing and decaying to the isomeric states in ${}^{66}$As, have been observed. Most importantly, candidates for the ${4}^{+}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{2}^{+}$ and ${6}^{+}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{4}^{+}$ transitions in the $T=1$ band have been identified. The results are compared with shell-model calculations using the modern JUN45 interaction in the $p{f}_{5/2}{g}_{9/2}$ model space.

The 278-keV M2 gamma decay from the vh(11/2) isomeric state in Xe-113 has been observed for the first time using the recoil-isomer tagging technique. The half-life of the isomer has been measured t ...

Lifetime measurements have been made in the neutron-deficient nucleus ${}^{109}$Te using the coincident recoil distance Doppler-shift method. The experimental $B(E2)$ values have been compared with state-of-the-art shell-model calculations using the monopole-corrected realistic charge-dependent Bonn nucleon-nucleon potential. Lifetimes in the $\ensuremath{\nu}{h}_{11/2}$ band are consistent with an interpretation based on the deformation driving properties of a single valence neutron outside of the even-even tellurium core and highlight the unexpected presence of collective behavior as the $N=50$ shell closure is approached. Lifetime measurements for the low-lying positive-parity states also appear to correlate well with shell-model calculations. In addition, a comparison with the proton-unbound nucleus ${}^{109}$I suggests that the presence of a single decoupled valence proton affects the total measured $B(E2)$ strengths in a manner that is not currently well understood.

The lifetime of the first excited 2(+) state in the neutron deficient nuclide (108)Te has been measured for the first time, using a combined recoil decay tagging and recoil distance Doppler shift t ...

States above the known ${K}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}={8}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ 6 $\ensuremath{\mu}$s isomer in $^{138}\mathrm{Gd}$ have been populated with the $^{106}\mathrm{Cd}$($^{36}\mathrm{Ar}$,$2p2n$) reaction at a beam energy of 180 MeV at the University of Jyv\"askyl\"a, Finland. The recoil-isomer tagging technique was utilized to correlate delayed $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray decays, detected in the GREAT focal plane spectrometer, with prompt decays measured in the JUROGAM II spectrometer at the target position. The lifetime of the ${K}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}={8}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ isomeric state has been remeasured as 6.2(2) $\ensuremath{\mu}$s. Two high-lying strongly coupled bands have been established with ${K}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}\ensuremath{\geqslant}{12}^{\ensuremath{-}}$. Potential-energy surface calculations, in conjunction with $g$ factor measurements, reveal that they are built upon four-quasiparticle structures comprising two-quasineutron plus two-quasiproton configurations. The short half-life or lack of hindrance for the decays from these four-quasiparticle band-head states is reasoned to be a consequence of increased triaxial deformation and mixing due to the high density of states relative to the lower two-quasiparticle 6-$\ensuremath{\mu}$s isomeric state.

Recoil-isomer tagging with the {sup 54}Fe+{sup 92}Mo reaction was used to establish a 10(2)-{mu}s isomeric state in {sup 139}Eu. Prompt versus delayed {gamma}-ray coincidence data have revealed the presence of a prompt rotational band built upon the isomer. The alignment properties of the states in this band show that the isomer is based upon a proton g{sub 7/2} configuration. The decay of the isomer takes place through a single 26-keV E1 transition. The {gamma}-ray transition strength for this decay is consistent with those established in the neighboring isomeric gamma-soft nuclei. In these nuclei, isomers are expected to form as a consequence of differences in nuclear shapes or configurations, and the natural hindrance associated with configuration-changing E1 transitions. The isomeric nature of the state in {sup 139}Eu is reasoned to be because of difference in shape of the proton g{sub 7/2} state and the proton h{sub 11/2} ground state to which it decays.

A Recoil‐Beta Tagging (RBT) experiment was recently performed at the accelerator laboratory at the University of Jyvaskyla in order to identify T = 1 excited states in the medium‐heavy N = Z = 33 nucleus 66As. The fusion‐evaporation reaction 28Si(40Ca,pn)66As was employed at a beam energy of 75 MeV. The experiment was carried out utilising the JUROGAM II γ‐ray spectrometer in conjunction with the gas‐filled recoil separator RITU and the GREAT focal plane spectrometer system. The half‐lives and ordering of the two known isomeric states in 66As have been determined. In addition, several new prompt γ‐ray transitions from excited states both bypassing and decaying to the isomeric states in 66As have been observed.

The Recoil‐Distance Doppler‐shift method has been combined with Recoil‐Decay Tagging for the first time to measure a lifetime in the proton‐unbound nucleus 109I. The lifetime value was determined using the Differential Decay‐Curve method in singles mode. The result has been compared to theoretical shell‐model calculations in order to better understand the nature of unbound valence nucleons at the proton drip line.

International audience; The lifetimes of low-lying transitions in 138Gd have been measured using the recoil-distance Doppler-shift technique. The resultant reduced transition probabilities have been compared to X(5) critical-point calculations to assess the potential 'phase-transitional' behaviour of 138Gd. The X(5) symmetry describes the first order 'phase transition' between sphericity, U(5) and an axially deformed nuclear shape, SU(3). Although a high degree of correspondence is observed between the experimental and theoretical excitation energies, the large uncertainties of the experimental B(E2) values cannot preclude contributions from either vibrational or rotational modes of excitation. In order to further examine the nature of low-lying states in 138Gd, ongoing work is aiming to derive solutions to the Bohr Hamiltonian using a more general potential that is not restricted to the X(5) critical point. These results, in parallel to more extensive IBM-1 calculations, will eventually be compared to the experimental results to more accurately locate 138Gd along the U(5) − SU(3) arm of the structure triangle.

Lifetime measurements have been made in the ground-state band of the transitional nucleus (138)Gd from coincidence recoil-distance Doppler-shift data. (138)Gdnuclei were produced using the (106)Cd ((36)Ar, 2p2n) reaction with a beam energy of 190 MeV. Reduced transition probabilities have been extracted from the lifetime data collected with the Koln plunger placed at the target position of the JUROGAM-II array. The B(E2) values have been compared with predictions from X(5) critical-point calculations, which describe the phase transition between vibrational and axially symmetric nuclear shapes, as well as with IBM-1 calculations at the critical point. While the excitation energies in (138)Gdare consistent with X(5) predictions, the large uncertainties associated with the measured B(E2) values cannot preclude vibrational and rotational contributions to the low-lying structure of (138)Gd. Although experimental knowledge for the low-lying gamma and beta-vibrational bands in (138)Gd is limited, potential-energy surface calculations suggest an increase in gamma softness in the ground-state band. In order to more fully account for the effects of gamma softness, the X(5) and IBM-1 calculations need to be extended to include the gamma degree of freedom for (138)Gd.

The known level scheme of {sup 144}Dy has been extended and lifetime measurements have been made with the recoil-distance Doppler-shift method. Reduced transition probabilities and deformations have been determined for four low-lying transitions. These states form part of the first observed band crossing, giving information on the change in nuclear deformation resulting from the rearrangement of h{sub 11/2} protons in the nucleus. Two bands built upon excited 10{sup +} states have been assigned pi(h{sub 11/2}){sup 2} prolate and nu(h{sub 11/2}){sup -2} oblate configurations with tau=12(2)ps and 0.01

A new plunger device has been designed and is being built at the University of Manchester to measure lifetimes of unbound states in exotic nuclei approaching the proton drip-line. The device is designed to work in both vacuum and gas environments and will be used in conjunction with the gas filled separator RITU and the vacuum-mode separator MARA at the University of Jyvaskyla, Finland. This will enable the accurate measurement of excited state lifetimes identified via isomer and charged-particle tagging. The plunger will be used to address many key facets of nuclear structure physics with particular emphasis on the effect of deformation on proton emission rates.

A Differential Plunger device for measuring the lifetimes of Unbound Nuclear States (DPUNS) is currently being built at the University of Manchester. The plunger has been designed to be able to work with the proton-, alpha-, beta- and isomer-tagging methods using the JUROGAM II - RITU - GREAT setup at the University of Jyvaskyla, Finland. Valuable nuclear-structure information can be investigated from the measurement of lifetimes in proton-and alpha-unbound nuclei. To date, nuclear structure information from proton emission has been obtained from a comparison of the experimentally measured half-life with that predicted from various tunnelling calculations. A crucial parameter required to perform these calculations is the deformation of the parent nucleus involved in the decay, which in all cases to date, has only ever been estimated or calculated from theory. DPUNS aims to address this logical weakness through the measurement of the lifetimes of excited states in these unbound nuclei. The first measurement of a lifetime in a proton-unbound nucleus was recently obtained for 109I. The results from this measurement were discussed along with the future physics programme that can be performed with DPUNS.

The isomeric structure of the neutron deficient nucleus 132Pr, located in the rare-earth region of the nuclear chart, has been studied with the 98Mo(40Ar,5pn)132Pr reaction at beam energies of 150, 158 and 165 MeV. The experiment was performed at the University of Jyvaskyla, Finland where the 40Ar beam was accelerated onto the target by the K130 cyclotron. The JUROGAM II HPGe detector array was employed in conjunction with the RITU gas-filled recoil separator. The focal-plane chamber housed a multi wire proportional counter and a position-sensitive silicon strip detector used for the implantation and identification of recoiling nuclei. The recoil-isomer tagging technique was used to correlate the delayed decays, measured in the Planar and Clover detectors of the GREAT spectrometer, with the known prompt transitions in 132Pr. Two new delayed transitions have been observed at energies of 102 and 118 keV. The corresponding X ray peaks are consistent with Pr Kα and Kβ X rays with energies of 35.63 and 40.91 keV, respectively. The half-life of the newly established isomeric state, from which the 102 and 118-keV transitions proceed, has been measured to be 2.5(3) μs.

A new plunger device has been designed and built to measure the lifetimes of unbound states in exotic nuclei beyond the proton drip-line. The device is designed to work in both vacuum and dilute-gas environments made possible through the introduction of a lowvoltage piezoelectric motors. The differential plunger for unbound nuclear states, DPUNS, will be used in conjunction with the gas-filled separator RITU and the vacuum separator MARA at the accelerator laboratory of the University of Jyvaskyla, Finland, to measure the lifetimes of excited states with low population cross-sections. This is achieved by eliminating the need for a carbon foil to isolate the helium gas of RITU from the beam line thus reducing the background from beam-foil reactions. The plunger will be used to address many key facets of nuclear structure physics with particular emphasis on the effect of deformation on proton emission rates.