Search

The level structure of Er158 has been studied using the Gammasphere spectrometer via the Cd114(Ca48,4n) reaction at 215 MeV with both thin (self-supporting) and thick (backed) targets. The level scheme has been considerably extended with more than 200 new transitions and six new rotational structures, including two strongly coupled high-K bands. Configuration assignments for the new structures are based on their observed alignments, B(M1)/B(E2) ratios of reduced transition probabilities, excitation energies, and comparisons with neighboring nuclei and theoretical calculations. With increasing angular momentum, this nucleus exhibits Coriolis-induced alignments of both neutrons and protons before it then undergoes a rotation-induced transition from near-prolate collective rotation to a noncollective oblate configuration. This transition occurs via the mechanism of band termination around spin 45ħ in three rotational structures. Two distinct lifetime branches, consistent with the crossing of a collective "fast"rotational structure by an energetically favored "slow"terminating sequence, are confirmed for the positive-parity states, and similar behavior is established in the negative-parity states. Weak-intensity, high-energy transitions are observed to feed into the terminating states. At the highest spins, three collective bands with high dynamic moments of inertia and large quadrupole moments were identified. These bands are interpreted as triaxial strongly deformed structures and mark a return to collectivity at ultrahigh spin.

The Be9(BeF25(5/2+),BeO24)X proton-removal reaction was studied at the NSCL using the S800 spectrometer. The experimental spectroscopic factor for the ground-state to ground-state transition indicates a substantial depletion of the proton d5/2 strength compared to shell-model expectations, similar to the findings of an inverse-kinematics (p,2p) measurement performed at RIBF. The BeF25 to BeO24 ground-states overlap is considerably less than anticipated if the core nucleons behaved as rigid, doubly-magic BeO24 within BeF25. We interpret the new results within the framework of the Particle-Vibration Coupling (PVC) model, of a d5/2 proton coupled to a quadrupole phonon of an effective core. This approach provides a good description of the experimental data, requiring an effective BeO∗24 core with a phonon energy of ħω2= 3.2 MeV and a B(E2)≈2.7 W.u. - softer and more collective than a bare BeO24. Both the Nilsson deformed mean field and the PVC models appear to capture the properties of the effective core of BeF25, suggesting that the additional proton polarizes BeO24 in such a way that it becomes either slightly deformed or a quadrupole vibrator.

The isovector and isoscalar components of neutron-proton pairing are investigated in the N=Z unstable nuclei of the fp-shell through the two-nucleon transfer reaction (p,3He) in inverse kinematics. The combination of particle and gamma-ray detection with radioactive beams of 56Ni and 52Fe, produced by fragmentation at the GANIL/LISE facility, made it possible to carry out this study for the first time in a closed and an open-shell nucleus in the fp-shell. The transfer cross-sections for ground-state to ground-state (J=0+, T=1) and to the first (J=1+, T=0) state were extracted for both cases together with the transfer cross-section ratios σ(0+,T=1)/σ(1+,T=0). They are compared with second-order distorted-wave born approximation (DWBA) calculations. The enhancement of the ground-state to ground-state pair transfer cross-section close to mid-shell, in 52Fe, points towards a superfluid phase in the isovector channel. For the “deuteron-like” transfer, very low cross-sections to the first (J=1+, T=0) state were observed both for 56Ni(p,3He) and 52Fe(p,3He) and are related to a strong hindrance of this channel due to spin-orbit effect. No evidence for an isoscalar deuteron-like condensate is observed.

While the phenomenon of one- and two-neutron ground-state halo nuclei is well established, the effects of weak binding on nuclear excitation properties remain largely unexplored. Motivated by this question and by recent data in 40Mg we investigate the coupling of weakly bound (halo) valence neutrons to a core using the known properties of 40Mg to explore and illustrate possible particle-core coupling schemes and their impact on the low-lying excitation spectrum.

Compton polarimeters have played an important role in the study of nuclear structure physics, but have often been limited in their applications because of relatively low γ-ray detection efficiency. With the advent of γ-ray tracking detector arrays, which feature nearly 4π solid angle coverage and the ability to identify the location of Compton-scattering events to within a few millimeters, this limitation can be overcome. Here we present a characterization of the performance of the Gamma Ray Energy Tracking In-beam Nuclear Array (GRETINA) as a Compton polarimeter using the 24Mg(p,p′) reaction at 2.45 MeV proton energy. We also discuss a new capability added to the simulation package UCGretina to simulate the emission of polarized photons, and compare it to the measured data. Finally, we use these simulations to predict the performance of the Gamma Ray Energy Tracking Array (GRETA).

We discuss a phenomenological shell model analysis of the structure of 48 , 49 , 50Ca. Based on simple arguments, we propose wavefunctions fit to the available data on spectroscopic factors derived from direct one neutron addition and removal reactions. These empirical wavefunctions are then used to calculate properties of low-lying states in 49 , 50 , 51Ca, which are consistent with available experimental data. Our analysis appears to capture the main ingredients at play in the low-lying properties of these nuclei and emphasize the prominent role of pairing correlations. We also present predictions that could motivate further work.

We introduce the concept of neutron-proton two-particle units (np-Weisskopf units) to be used in the analysis of the (3He,p) and (p,3He) reactions on nuclei along the N=Z line. These are presented for the conditions relevant to the (n,j,ℓ) orbits expected from 16O to 100Sn. As is the case of the Weisskopf units for electromagnetic transitions, the np-WU's will provide a simple, yet robust, measure of isoscalar and isovector np pairing collective effects.

Exclusive cross sections for the P43(−1p)Si42 reaction to the lowest 0+ and 2+ states, measured at NSCL with GRETINA and the S800, are interpreted in terms of a two-level mixing (collective) model of oblate and prolate coexisting shapes. Using the formalism developed for deformed nuclei, we calculate the spectroscopic amplitudes and exclusive cross sections in the strong-coupling limit, where for P43 the schematic wave function includes the coupling of the Nilsson [211]12 proton orbit. Good agreement with the experimental data is obtained when the amplitude of the oblate configuration is ≳80%, suggesting that both nuclei are predominantly oblate, in line with theoretical expectations. Model predictions for excitation energies and electromagnetic observables, which could motivate further studies of both nuclei, are also presented.

The transition strengths of the isobaric triplet recently measured at the RIKEN Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory (RIBF), are discussed in terms of state-of-the-art large scale shell model calculations using the JUN45 and plus Coulomb interactions. In this Letter we argue that, depending on the effective charges used, the calculations are either in line with the experimental data within statistical uncertainties, or the anomaly happens in rather than . In the latter case, we suggest that it can be due to the presence of a hitherto undetected state below the yrast state. Our results do not support a shape change of with respect to the other members of the isobaric multiplet.

The transition strengths of the isobaric triplet recently measured at the RIKEN Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory (RIBF), are discussed in terms of state-of-the-art large scale shell model calculations using the JUN45 and plus Coulomb interactions. In this Letter we argue that, depending on the effective charges used, the calculations are either in line with the experimental data within statistical uncertainties, or the anomaly happens in rather than . In the latter case, we suggest that it can be due to the presence of a hitherto undetected state below the yrast state. Our results do not support a shape change of with respect to the other members of the isobaric multiplet.

We have studied the Mg26(t,p)Mg28 reaction. The nucleus Mg28 lies between Mg24 and Mg32, the latter of which is central to the "island of inversion"characterized by low-lying neutron fp-shell configurations. The present results show that the second-excited 0+ state in Mg28 contains large fp-shell occupation for the neutrons. The experiment was performed in inverse kinematics using the HELIcal Orbit Spectrometer (HELIOS) at Argonne National Laboratory. Shell-model calculations using the SDPF-MU interaction yielded level energies and two-neutron transfer amplitudes that were used in one-step distorted-wave Born approximation calculations to provide theoretical predictions of the proton angular distributions. In many, but not all cases, the data were in good agreement with theoretical predictions.

We have studied the Mg26(t,p)Mg28 reaction. The nucleus Mg28 lies between Mg24 and Mg32, the latter of which is central to the "island of inversion"characterized by low-lying neutron fp-shell configurations. The present results show that the second-excited 0+ state in Mg28 contains large fp-shell occupation for the neutrons. The experiment was performed in inverse kinematics using the HELIcal Orbit Spectrometer (HELIOS) at Argonne National Laboratory. Shell-model calculations using the SDPF-MU interaction yielded level energies and two-neutron transfer amplitudes that were used in one-step distorted-wave Born approximation calculations to provide theoretical predictions of the proton angular distributions. In many, but not all cases, the data were in good agreement with theoretical predictions.

Spectroscopic factors to low-lying negative-parity states in Be11 extracted from the B12(d,He3)Be11 proton-removal reaction are interpreted within the rotational model. Earlier predictions of the p-wave proton-removal strengths in the strong-coupling limit of the Nilsson model underestimated the spectroscopic factors to the 3/21- and 5/21- states and suggested that deviations in the 1+ ground state of the odd-odd B12 due to Coriolis coupling should be further explored. In this work we use the particle rotor model to take into account these effects and obtain a good description of the level scheme in B11, with a moderate K mixing of the proton Nilsson levels [110]1/2 and [101]3/2. This mixing, present in the 1+ bandhead of B12, is key to explaining the proton-pickup data.

We present a study of magnetic fields effects on the position resolution and energy response of hyper-pure germanium detectors. Our results provide realistic estimates of the potential impact on the resolving power of tracking-arrays from (fringe) magnetic fields present when operating together with large spectrometers. By solving the equations of motion for the electron and holes in the presence of both electric and magnetic fields, we analyzed the drift trajectories of the charge carriers to determine the deviations in the positions at the end point of the trajectories, as well as changes in drift lengths affecting the energy resolution and peak shift due to trapping. Our results show that the major effect is in the deviation of the transverse (to the electric field direction) position and suggest that, if no corrective action is taken in the pulse-shape and tracking data analysis procedures, a field strength ≳ 0.1 T will start to impact the intrinsic position resolution of 2 mm (RMS). At fields above ∼1 T, the degradation of the energy response becomes observable.

The excitation energy of deformed intruder states (specifically the 2p2h bandhead) as a function of proton number Z along N=20 is of interest both in terms of better understanding the evolution of nuclear structure between spherical Ca40 and the Island of Inversion nuclei, and for benchmarking theoretical descriptions in this region. At the center of the N=20 Island of Inversion, the npnh (where n=2,4,6) neutron excitations across a diminished N=20 gap result in deformed and collective ground states, as observed in Mg32. In heavier isotones, npnh excitations do not dominate in the ground states but are present in the relatively low-lying level schemes. With the aim of identifying the expected 2p2h - s1/2+ state in P35, the only N=20 isotone for which the neutron 2p2h excitation bandhead has not yet been identified, the S36(d,He3)P35 reaction has been revisited in inverse kinematics with the HELical Orbit Spectrometer (HELIOS) at the Argonne Tandem Linac Accelerator System (ATLAS). While a candidate state has not been located, an upper limit for the transfer reaction cross section to populate such a configuration within a 2.5 to 3.6 MeV energy range provides a stringent constraint on the wave function compositions in both S36 and P35.

The neutron-rich barium nuclei have been the subject of intense interest due to the enhanced octupole correlations they are predicted to exhibit. The observation of enhanced octupole collectivity in Ba144,146 as measured in sub-barrier Coulomb excitation, consistent with static octupole deformation, has further heightened this interest. In the present work, these studies are extended to the neighboring odd-mass Ba143 to investigate the interplay between single-particle and collective octupole degrees of freedom. A new measurement of the first 92 - state lifetime is also presented. Reflection-Asymmetric Triaxial Particle Rotor Model calculations indicate that the negative-parity bands in Ba143 can be understood as a decoupled structure of νh9/2 parentage, while the positive-parity bands are built on a decoupled octupole phonon. No evidence for E3 excitation is observed in this work, but an upper limit is placed on the E3 matrix element to the lowest octupole band.

The evolution of the traditional nuclear magic numbers away from the valley of stability is an active field of research. Experimental efforts focus on providing key spectroscopic information that will shed light into the structure of exotic nuclei and understanding the driving mechanism behind the shell evolution. In this work, we investigate the Z=6 spin-orbit shell gap towards the neutron dripline. To do so, we employed NA(p,2p)CA−1 quasi-free scattering reactions to measure the proton component of the 21+ state of 16,18,20C. The experimental findings support the notion of a moderate reduction of the proton 1p1/2−1p3/2 spin-orbit splitting, at variance to recent claims for a prevalent Z=6 magic number towards the neutron dripline.

In a recent experiment, carried out at the Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory/RIKEN, the F25(p,2p)O24 reaction was studied at 270 MeV/A in inverse kinematics. Derived spectroscopic factors suggest that the effective core of F25 significantly differs from a free O24 nucleus. We interpret these results within the particle-rotor model and show that the experimental level scheme of F25 can be understood in the rotation-aligned coupling scheme with its 5/21+ ground state as the bandhead of a decoupled band. The excitation energies of the observed 1/21+ and 9/21+ states correlate strongly with the rotational energy of the effective core, seen by the odd proton, and allow us to estimate its 2+ energy at ≈3.2MeV and a moderate quadrupole deformation ϵ2≈0.15. The measured fragmentation of the πd5/2 single-particle strength is discussed, and some further experiments suggested.

In a recent experiment, carried out at the Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory/RIKEN, the F25(p,2p)O24 reaction was studied at 270 MeV/A in inverse kinematics. Derived spectroscopic factors suggest that the effective core of F25 significantly differs from a free O24 nucleus. We interpret these results within the particle-rotor model and show that the experimental level scheme of F25 can be understood in the rotation-aligned coupling scheme with its 5/21+ ground state as the bandhead of a decoupled band. The excitation energies of the observed 1/21+ and 9/21+ states correlate strongly with the rotational energy of the effective core, seen by the odd proton, and allow us to estimate its 2+ energy at ≈3.2MeV and a moderate quadrupole deformation ϵ2≈0.15. The measured fragmentation of the πd5/2 single-particle strength is discussed, and some further experiments suggested.

In 1956 A. Kerman explained the observed energy levels of the lowest K = 1/2 and K = 3/2 bands in 183W as resulting from rotational perturbations due to the effects of the Coriolis force. Following from that seminal paper, in this work we consider Kerman's problem when one of the Nilsson single-particle levels involved is a resonant state. This is the simplest model of Coriolis mixing that allows for analytical expressions derived in first-order perturbation theory, without losing the main physical ingredients of the continuum effects. We present results for the perturbed solution of the ground state band energies as a function of the state width, which suggest a general behavior of both increased moment of inertia and staggering.

The recent experimental observation of isospin symmetry breaking (ISB) in the ground states of the T=3/2 mirror pair Sr73-Br73 is theoretically studied using large-scale shell-model calculations. The large valence space and the successful PFSDG-U effective interaction used for the nuclear part of the problem capture possible structural changes and provide a robust basis to treat the ISB effects of both electromagnetic and nonelectromagnetic origin. The calculated shifts and mirror-energy differences are consistent with the inversion of the Iπ=1/2-,5/2-states between Sr73 and Br73 and suggest that the role played by the Coulomb interaction is dominant. An isospin breaking contribution of nuclear origin is estimated to be ≈25keV.

The recent experimental observation of isospin symmetry breaking (ISB) in the ground states of the T=3/2 mirror pair Sr73-Br73 is theoretically studied using large-scale shell-model calculations. The large valence space and the successful PFSDG-U effective interaction used for the nuclear part of the problem capture possible structural changes and provide a robust basis to treat the ISB effects of both electromagnetic and nonelectromagnetic origin. The calculated shifts and mirror-energy differences are consistent with the inversion of the Iπ=1/2-,5/2-states between Sr73 and Br73 and suggest that the role played by the Coulomb interaction is dominant. An isospin breaking contribution of nuclear origin is estimated to be ≈25keV.

In an experiment performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's 88-inch cyclotron, the isotope ^{244}Md was produced in the ^{209}Bi(^{40}Ar,5n) reaction. Decay properties of ^{244}Md were measured at the focal plane of the Berkeley Gas-filled Separator, and the mass number assignment of A=244 was confirmed with the apparatus for the identification of nuclide A. The isotope ^{244}Md is reported to have one, possibly two, α-decaying states with α energies of 8.66(2) and 8.31(2) MeV and half-lives of 0.4_{-0.1}^{+0.4} and ∼6  s, respectively. Additionally, first evidence of the α decay of ^{236}Bk was observed and is reported.

In an experiment performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's 88-inch cyclotron, the isotope ^{244}Md was produced in the ^{209}Bi(^{40}Ar,5n) reaction. Decay properties of ^{244}Md were measured at the focal plane of the Berkeley Gas-filled Separator, and the mass number assignment of A=244 was confirmed with the apparatus for the identification of nuclide A. The isotope ^{244}Md is reported to have one, possibly two, α-decaying states with α energies of 8.66(2) and 8.31(2) MeV and half-lives of 0.4_{-0.1}^{+0.4} and ∼6  s, respectively. Additionally, first evidence of the α decay of ^{236}Bk was observed and is reported.

Spectroscopic strengths for the 18Fg,m(d,p)F19 reactions to members of the ground-state band in F19 are interpreted in the rotational model. The analysis considers two different coupling schemes, namely, the strong and decoupled limits of the particle rotor model to describe the ground and isomeric states of F18, as well as the transitions to the ground-state band in F19. Our results, obtained using Nilsson amplitudes for the neutron levels 12[220], 32[211], and 52[202] calculated at a deformation ϵ2=0.32 are in agreement with the measurements and USDB shell-model calculations.

Spectroscopic strengths for the 18Fg,m(d,p)F19 reactions to members of the ground-state band in F19 are interpreted in the rotational model. The analysis considers two different coupling schemes, namely, the strong and decoupled limits of the particle rotor model to describe the ground and isomeric states of F18, as well as the transitions to the ground-state band in F19. Our results, obtained using Nilsson amplitudes for the neutron levels 12[220], 32[211], and 52[202] calculated at a deformation ϵ2=0.32 are in agreement with the measurements and USDB shell-model calculations.

The superfluid tunneling model is applied to the calculation of ground-state-to-ground-state α decay in the even-even neutron-deficient Te-Ba nuclei. We show that there is a larger α-particle formation probability in nuclei of this region above Sn100 when compared to analogous nuclei above Pb208. This is consistent with the expected systematic variation of the pair gap Δ as a function of mass number. The recent experimental data on the α decay of the N=Z nuclei Te104 and Xe108 are shown to leave open the possibility of enhanced α-particle formation involving nucleon correlations beyond the standard treatment of like-nucleon pairing, which is the mechanism suggested as underlying "superallowed" α decay.

We propose a phenomenological approach to examine the role of short- and long-range nucleon-nucleon correlations in the quenching of single-particle strength in atomic nuclei and their evolution in asymmetric nuclei and neutron matter. These correlations are thought to be the reason for the quenching of spectroscopic factors observed in (e,e′p), (p,2p) and transfer reactions. We show that the recently observed increase of the high-momentum component of the protons in neutron-rich nuclei is consistent with the reduced proton spectroscopic factors. Our approach connects recent results on short-range correlations from high-energy electron scattering experiments with the quenching of spectroscopic factors and addresses for the first time quantitatively this intriguing question in nuclear physics, in particular regarding its isospin dependence. We also speculate about the nature of a quasi-proton (nuclear polaron) in neutron matter and its kinetic energy, an important quantity for the properties of neutron stars.

The development of advanced γ-ray tracking arrays allows for a sensitive new technique to investigate elusive states of exotic nuclei with fast rare-isotope beams. By taking advantage of the excellent energy and position resolution of the Gamma-Ray Energy Tracking In-beam Nuclear Array, we developed a novel technique to identify in-flight isomeric decays of the 02+ state in Mg32 populated in a two-proton removal reaction. We confirm the 02+→21+γ-ray transition of Mg32 and constrain the 02+ decay lifetime, suggesting a large collectivity. The small partial cross section populating the 02+ state in this reaction provides experimental evidence for the reduced occupancy of the normal configuration of the 02+ state, indicating the intruder dominance of this state.

The development of advanced γ-ray tracking arrays allows for a sensitive new technique to investigate elusive states of exotic nuclei with fast rare-isotope beams. By taking advantage of the excellent energy and position resolution of the Gamma-Ray Energy Tracking In-beam Nuclear Array, we developed a novel technique to identify in-flight isomeric decays of the 02+ state in Mg32 populated in a two-proton removal reaction. We confirm the 02+→21+γ-ray transition of Mg32 and constrain the 02+ decay lifetime, suggesting a large collectivity. The small partial cross section populating the 02+ state in this reaction provides experimental evidence for the reduced occupancy of the normal configuration of the 02+ state, indicating the intruder dominance of this state.

The superfluid tunneling model is applied to the calculation of half-lives of the observed α decays in N=84 isotones. Results of our calculations are compared to experimental data on the ground-state α decays along the isotonic chain from Nd144 to Re159. Good agreement is found. The α decays of the known high-spin isomers in Lu155, Hf156, Ta157, and W158 are also well reproduced, once a reduction in the pairing strength is taken into account. This includes reproduction of the main features of the recently observed fine structure from Lu155(25/2-) and Hf156(8+). Predictions for the α-decay fine structure of Ta157(25/2-) and W158(8+) high-spin isomers are presented.

One of the most exotic light neutron-rich nuclei currently accessible for experimental study is ^{40}Mg, which lies at the intersection of the nucleon magic number N=28 and the neutron drip line. Low-lying excited states of ^{40}Mg have been studied for the first time following a one-proton removal reaction from ^{41}Al, performed at the Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory of RIKEN Nishina Center with the DALI2 γ-ray array and the ZeroDegree spectrometer. Two γ-ray transitions were observed, suggesting an excitation spectrum that shows unexpected properties as compared to both the systematics along the Z=12, N≥20  Mg isotopes and available state-of-the-art theoretical model predictions. A possible explanation for the observed structure involves weak-binding effects in the low-lying excitation spectrum.

One of the most exotic light neutron-rich nuclei currently accessible for experimental study is ^{40}Mg, which lies at the intersection of the nucleon magic number N=28 and the neutron drip line. Low-lying excited states of ^{40}Mg have been studied for the first time following a one-proton removal reaction from ^{41}Al, performed at the Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory of RIKEN Nishina Center with the DALI2 γ-ray array and the ZeroDegree spectrometer. Two γ-ray transitions were observed, suggesting an excitation spectrum that shows unexpected properties as compared to both the systematics along the Z=12, N≥20  Mg isotopes and available state-of-the-art theoretical model predictions. A possible explanation for the observed structure involves weak-binding effects in the low-lying excitation spectrum.

An experiment was performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's 88-in. Cyclotron to determine the mass number of a superheavy element. The measurement resulted in the observation of two α-decay chains, produced via the ^{243}Am(^{48}Ca,xn)^{291-x}Mc reaction, that were separated by mass-to-charge ratio (A/q) and identified by the combined BGS+FIONA apparatus. One event occurred at A/q=284 and was assigned to ^{284}Nh (Z=113), the α-decay daughter of ^{288}Mc (Z=115), while the second occurred at A/q=288 and was assigned to ^{288}Mc. This experiment represents the first direct measurements of the mass numbers of superheavy elements, confirming previous (indirect) mass-number assignments.

The energy levels and γ-ray decay scheme of the positive-parity states in the Tz=12 nucleus As67 have been studied by using the Ca40(Ar36,2αp)As67 reaction at a beam energy of 145 MeV. Two new band structures have been identified which can be connected to the previously known levels. The results for these bands are compared with configuration-dependent cranked Nilsson-Strutinsky calculations. The good level of agreement between theory and experiment suggests that these structures can be interpreted in terms of configurations that involve three g92 particles and that both possess noncollective terminating states.

We propose a schematic model of nucleons moving in spin–orbit partner levels, j=l±[Formula presented], to explain Gamow–Teller and two-nucleon transfer data in N=Z nuclei above 40Ca. Use of the LS coupling scheme provides a more transparent approach to interpret the structure and reaction data. We apply the model to the analysis of charge-exchange, 42Ca(3He,t)42Sc, and np-transfer, 40Ca(3He,p)42Sc, reactions data to define the elementary modes of excitation in terms of both isovector and isoscalar pairs, whose properties can be determined by adjusting the parameters of the model (spin–orbit splitting, isovector pairing strength and quadrupole matrix element) to the available data. The overall agreement with experiment suggests that the approach captures the main physics ingredients and provides the basis for a boson approximation that can be extended to heavier nuclei. Our analysis also reveals that the SU(4)-symmetry limit is not realized in 42Sc.

Excited states in the neutron-rich isotopes P33 and P34 were populated by the O18+O18 fusion-evaporation reaction at Elab=24 MeV. The Gammasphere array was used along with the Microball particle detector array to detect γ transitions in coincidence with the charged particles emitted from the compound nucleus S36. The use of Microball enabled the selection of the proton emission channel. It also helped in determining the exact position and energy of the emitted proton; this was later employed in kinematic Doppler corrections. 16 new transitions and 13 new states were observed in P33 and 21 γ rays and 20 energy levels were observed in P34 for the first time. The nearly 4π geometry of Gammasphere allowed the measurement of γ-ray angular distributions leading to spin assignments for many states. The experimental observations for both isotopes were interpreted with the help of shell-model calculations using the (0+1)ω PSDPF interaction. The calculations accounted for both the 0p-0h and 1p-1h states reasonably well and indicated that 2p-2h excitations might dominate the higher-spin configurations in both P33 and P34.

Excited states in the neutron-rich isotopes P33 and P34 were populated by the O18+O18 fusion-evaporation reaction at Elab=24 MeV. The Gammasphere array was used along with the Microball particle detector array to detect γ transitions in coincidence with the charged particles emitted from the compound nucleus S36. The use of Microball enabled the selection of the proton emission channel. It also helped in determining the exact position and energy of the emitted proton; this was later employed in kinematic Doppler corrections. 16 new transitions and 13 new states were observed in P33 and 21 γ rays and 20 energy levels were observed in P34 for the first time. The nearly 4π geometry of Gammasphere allowed the measurement of γ-ray angular distributions leading to spin assignments for many states. The experimental observations for both isotopes were interpreted with the help of shell-model calculations using the (0+1)ω PSDPF interaction. The calculations accounted for both the 0p-0h and 1p-1h states reasonably well and indicated that 2p-2h excitations might dominate the higher-spin configurations in both P33 and P34.

A model-independent technique was used to determine the γ-ray strength function (γSF) of Fe56 down to γ-ray energies less than 1 MeV for the first time with GRETINA using the (p,p′) reaction at 16 MeV. No difference was observed in the energy dependence of the γSF built on 2+ and 4+ final states, supporting the Brink hypothesis. In addition, angular distribution and polarization measurements were performed. The angular distributions are consistent with dipole radiation. The polarization results show a small bias towards magnetic character in the region of the enhancement.

Spectroscopic factors in Be10, Be11, and Be12, extracted from (d,p), one-neutron knockout, and (p,d) reactions, are interpreted within the rotational model. Assuming that the ground state and first excited state of Be11 can be associated with the 12[220] and 12[101] Nilsson levels, the strong-coupling limit gives simple expressions that relate the amplitudes of these wave functions (in the spherical basis) with the measured cross sections and derived spectroscopic factors. We obtain good agreement with both the measured magnetic moment of the ground state in Be11 and the reaction data.

Recent results from RIKEN/RIBF on the low-lying level structure of 29F are interpreted within the Particle-Rotor Model. We show that the experimental data can be understood in the Rotation-aligned Coupling Scheme, with the 5/2+ ground state as the bandhead of a decoupled band. In this picture, the energy of the observed 1/21+ state correlates strongly with the rotational energy of the core and provides an estimate of the 2+ energy in 28O. Our analysis suggests a moderate deformation, ϵ2∼0.16, and places the 2+ in 28O at ∼ 2.5 MeV.

The structure of 71Zn was investigated by one-neutron transfer and heavy-ion induced complex (deep-inelastic) reactions using the GRETINA-CHICO2 and the Gammasphere setups, respectively. The observed inversion between the 9/2+ and 1/2− states is explained in terms of the role of neutron pairing correlations. Non-collective sequences of levels were delineated above the 9/2+ isomeric state. These are interpreted as being associated with a modest oblate deformation in the framework of Monte-Carlo shell-model calculations carried out with the A3DA-m Hamiltonian in the pfg9/2d5/2 valence space. Similarities with the structure of Ni402868 were observed and the shape-coexistence mechanism in the N=40 region of neutron-rich nuclei is discussed in terms of the so-called Type-II shell evolution, with an emphasis on proton–neutron correlations between valence nucleons, especially those involving the shape-driving g9/2 neutron orbital.

The structure of 71Zn was investigated by one-neutron transfer and heavy-ion induced complex (deep-inelastic) reactions using the GRETINA-CHICO2 and the Gammasphere setups, respectively. The observed inversion between the 9/2+ and 1/2− states is explained in terms of the role of neutron pairing correlations. Non-collective sequences of levels were delineated above the 9/2+ isomeric state. These are interpreted as being associated with a modest oblate deformation in the framework of Monte-Carlo shell-model calculations carried out with the A3DA-m Hamiltonian in the pfg9/2d5/2 valence space. Similarities with the structure of Ni402868 were observed and the shape-coexistence mechanism in the N=40 region of neutron-rich nuclei is discussed in terms of the so-called Type-II shell evolution, with an emphasis on proton–neutron correlations between valence nucleons, especially those involving the shape-driving g9/2 neutron orbital.

Spectroscopic factors, extracted from one-neutron knockout and Coulomb dissociation reactions, for transitions from the ground state of Mg33 to the ground-state rotational band in Mg32, and from Mg32 to low-lying negative-parity states in Mg31, are interpreted within the rotational model. Associating the ground state of Mg33 and the negative-parity states in Mg31 with the 32[321] Nilsson level, the strong coupling limit gives simple expressions that relate the amplitudes (Cjℓ) of this wave function with the measured cross sections and derived spectroscopic factors (Sjℓ). To obtain a consistent agreement with the data within this framework, we find that one requires a modified 32[321] wave function with an increased contribution from the spherical 2p3/2 orbit as compared to a standard Nilsson calculation. This is consistent with the findings of large-scale shell model calculations and can be traced to weak binding effects that lower the energy of low-ℓ orbitals.

We have characterized, for the first time, an n-type segmented inverted coaxial point-contact detector. This novel detector technology relies on a large variation in drift time of the majority charge carriers, as well as image and net charges observed on the segments, to achieve a potential γ-ray interaction position resolution of better than 1 mm. However, the intrinsic energy resolution in this detector is poor (more than 20 keV at 1332 keV) because of charge (electron) trapping effects. We propose an algorithm that enables restoration of the resolution to a value of 3.44 ± 0.03 keV at 1332 keV for events with a single interaction. The algorithm is based on a measurement of the azimuthal angle and the electron drift time of a given event; the energy of the event is corrected as a function of these two values.

The transitional nuclei Xe132 and Xe133 are investigated after multinucleon-transfer (MNT) and fusion-evaporation reactions. Both nuclei are populated (i) in Xe136+Pb208 MNT reactions employing the high-resolution Advanced GAmma Tracking Array (AGATA) coupled to the magnetic spectrometer PRISMA, (ii) in the Xe136+Pt198 MNT reaction employing the GAMMASPHERE spectrometer in combination with the gas-detector array CHICO, and (iii) as an evaporation residue after a Te130(α,xn)Xe134-xn fusion-evaporation reaction employing the HORUS γ-ray array at the University of Cologne. The high-spin level schemes are considerably extended above the Jπ=(7-) and (10+) isomers in Xe132 and above the 11/2- isomer in Xe133. The results are compared to the high-spin systematics of the Z=54 as well as the N=78 and N=79 chains. Furthermore, evidence is found for a long-lived (T1/2â‰1μs) isomer in Xe133 which closes a gap along the N=79 isotones. Shell-model calculations employing the SN100PN and PQM130 effective interactions reproduce the experimental findings and provide guidance to the interpretation of the observed high-spin features.

A new experimental setup to measure prompt-delayed γ-ray coincidences from isotopically identified fission fragments, over a wide time range of 100ns-200μ s, is presented. The fission fragments were isotopically identified, on an event-by-event basis, using the VAMOS++ large acceptance spectrometer. The prompt γ rays emitted at the target position and corresponding delayed γ rays emitted at the focal plane of the spectrometer were detected using, respectively, thirty two crystals of the AGATA γ-ray tracking array and seven EXOGAM HPGe Clover detectors. Fission fragments produced in fusion and transfer-induced fission reactions, using a 238U beam at an energy of 6.2 MeV/u impinging on a 9Be target, were used to characterize and qualify the performance of the detection system.

The transitional nuclei Xe132 and Xe133 are investigated after multinucleon-transfer (MNT) and fusion-evaporation reactions. Both nuclei are populated (i) in Xe136+Pb208 MNT reactions employing the high-resolution Advanced GAmma Tracking Array (AGATA) coupled to the magnetic spectrometer PRISMA, (ii) in the Xe136+Pt198 MNT reaction employing the GAMMASPHERE spectrometer in combination with the gas-detector array CHICO, and (iii) as an evaporation residue after a Te130(α,xn)Xe134-xn fusion-evaporation reaction employing the HORUS γ-ray array at the University of Cologne. The high-spin level schemes are considerably extended above the Jπ=(7-) and (10+) isomers in Xe132 and above the 11/2- isomer in Xe133. The results are compared to the high-spin systematics of the Z=54 as well as the N=78 and N=79 chains. Furthermore, evidence is found for a long-lived (T1/2â‰1μs) isomer in Xe133 which closes a gap along the N=79 isotones. Shell-model calculations employing the SN100PN and PQM130 effective interactions reproduce the experimental findings and provide guidance to the interpretation of the observed high-spin features.