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Microcalorimeter detectors provide unprecedented energy resolution for the measurement of X-rays and soft gamma-rays. Energy resolution in the 100 keV region can be up to an order of magnitude better than planar high-purity germanium (HPGe) detectors. The technology is well-suited to analysis of materials with complex spectra presenting closely spaced photopeaks. One application area is the measurement and assay of nuclear materials for safeguards and fuel cycle applications. In this paper, we discuss the operation and performance of a 256-pixel array, and present results of a head-to-head comparison of isotopic determination measurements with high-purity germanium using a plutonium standard. We show that the uncertainty of a single measurement is smaller for the microcalorimeter data compared to the HPGe data when photopeak areas are equal. We identify several key areas where analysis codes can be optimized that will likely lead to improvement in the microcalorimeter performance.

Microcalorimeter detectors provide superior energy resolution for the detection of X-rays and gamma-rays. The technology utilizes a cryogenic transition-edge sensor (TES) coupled to a tin bulk absorber. We are working on fabrication methods for the production of arrays with many sensors. In this paper, we present data collected with an array of microcalorimeters using as many as 26 sensor elements simultaneously. Advances in sensor design have extended the useful dynamic range to photon energies up to ∼200 keV, while providing resolution performance in the 80–90 eV FWHM range, significantly better than planar high-purity germanium. These sensor arrays have applications in the measurement of nuclear materials. We present data collected from 153Gd, a highly-enriched uranium sample, and a plutonium isotopic standard source. We also demonstrate clean separation of the 235U 185.715 keV peak from the ubiquitous 226Ra 186.211 keV background peak interference.

Excited states with seniority $\ensuremath{\nu}=3$, 5, and 7 have been investigated in odd neutron-rich $^{119,121,123,125}\text{Sn}$ isotopes produced by fusion-fission of 6.9-MeV/$A\phantom{\rule{4pt}{0ex}}^{48}\text{Ca}$ beams with $^{208}\text{Pb}$ and $^{238}\text{U}$ targets and by fission of a $^{238}\text{U}$ target bombarded with 6.7-MeV/$A\phantom{\rule{4pt}{0ex}}^{64}\text{Ni}$ beams. Level schemes have been established up to high spin and excitation energies in excess of 6 MeV, based on multifold gamma-ray coincidence relationships measured with the Gammasphere array. In the analysis, the presence of isomers was exploited to identify gamma rays and propose transition placements using prompt and delayed coincidence techniques. Gamma decays of the known $27/{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ isomers were expanded by identifying new deexcitation paths feeding $23/{2}^{+}$ long-lived states and $21/{2}^{+}$ levels. Competing branches in the decay of $23/{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ states toward two $19/{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ levels were delineated as well. In $^{119}\text{Sn}$, a new $23/{2}^{+}$ isomer was identified, while a similar $23/{2}^{+}$ long-lived state, proposed earlier in $^{121}\text{Sn}$, has now been confirmed. In both cases, isomeric half-lives were determined with good precision. In the range of $\ensuremath{\nu}=3$ excitations, the observed transitions linking the various states enabled one to propose with confidence spin-parity assignments for all the observed states. Above the $27/{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ isomers, an elaborate structure of negative-parity levels was established reaching the ($39/{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$), $\ensuremath{\nu}=7$ states, with tentative spin-parity assignments based on the observed deexcitation paths as well as on general yrast population arguments. In all the isotopes under investigation, strongly populated sequences of positive-parity ($35/{2}^{+}$), ($31/{2}^{+}$), and ($27/{2}^{+}$) states were established, feeding the $23/{2}^{+}$ isomers via cascades of three transitions. In the $^{121,123}\text{Sn}$ isotopes, these sequences also enabled the delineation of higher-lying levels, up to ($43/{2}^{+}$) states. In $^{123}\text{Sn}$, a short half-life was determined for the ($35/{2}^{+}$) state. Shell-model calculations were carried out for all the odd Sn isotopes, from $^{129}\text{Sn}$ down to $^{119}\text{Sn}$, and the results were found to reproduce the experimental level energies rather well. Nevertheless, some systematic deviations between calculated and experimental energies, especially for positive-parity states, point to the need to improve some of the two-body interactions used in calculations. The computed wave-function amplitudes provide for a fairly transparent interpretation of the observed level structures. The systematics of level energies over the broad $A$ = 117--129 range of Sn isotopes displays a smooth decrease with mass $A$, and the observed regularity confirms most of the proposed spin-parity assignments. The systematics of the $B(E2)$ reduced transition probabilities extracted for the $23/{2}^{+}$ and $19/{2}^{+}$ isomers is discussed with an emphasis on the close similarity of the observed $A$ dependence with that of the $E2$ transition rates established for other $\ensuremath{\nu}=2$, 3, and 4 isomers in the Sn isotopic chain.

Excited states above the seniority $\ensuremath{\nu}=2$ isomers have been investigated in even neutron-rich ${}^{118--128}$Sn isotopes produced by fusion-fission of 6.9 MeV/$A$ $^{48}\mathrm{Ca}$ beams with $^{208}\mathrm{Pb}$ and $^{238}\mathrm{U}$ targets and by fission of 6.7 MeV/$A$ $^{64}\mathrm{Ni}$ beams on a $^{238}\mathrm{U}$ target. Level schemes up to excitation energies in excess of 8 MeV have been established based on multifold $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-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 $\ensuremath{\nu}=4$, 15${}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, and 13${}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ 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${}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ isomers, firm spin-parity assignments could be proposed for most of the seniority $\ensuremath{\nu}=4$ states. Higher-lying, seniority $\ensuremath{\nu}=6$ 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 $^{122}\mathrm{Sn}$ in the ${g}_{7/2}$, ${d}_{5/2}$, ${d}_{3/2}$, ${s}_{1/2}$, and ${h}_{11/2}$ model space of neutron holes with respect to a $^{132}\mathrm{Sn}$ core. Effective two-body interactions were adjusted such that satisfactory agreement with data was achieved for $^{130}\mathrm{Sn}$. 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 $\ensuremath{\nu}=4$ isomers and is compared to that determined in earlier work for the $E2$ transition rates from the $\ensuremath{\nu}=2,3$ isomers.

Excited states in ${}^{64}$Ni, ${}^{66}$Ni, and ${}^{68}$Ni were populated in quasielastic and deep-inelastic reactions of a 430-MeV ${}^{64}$Ni beam on a thick ${}^{238}$U 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 \ensuremath{\gamma}-ray coincidence events measured with the Gammasphere array. Spin-parity assignments were deduced from an angular-correlation analysis and from observed \ensuremath{\gamma}-decay patterns, but information from earlier \ensuremath{\gamma}-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 ${}^{66}$Ni and ${}^{68}$Ni 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 ${p}_{3/2}{f}_{5/2}{p}_{1/2}{g}_{9/2}$ model space with two effective interactions using a ${}^{56}$Ni 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 ${}^{68}$Ni, 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.

Excited states in ${}^{67}$Ni were populated in deep-inelastic reactions of a ${}^{64}$Ni beam at 430 MeV on a thick ${}^{238}$U target. A level scheme built on the previously known 13-$\ensuremath{\mu}$s isomer has been delineated up to an excitation energy of 5.3 MeV and a tentative spin and parity of (21/2${}^{\ensuremath{-}}$). Shell model calculations have been carried out using two effective interactions in the ${f}_{5/2}p{g}_{9/2}$ model space with a ${}^{56}$Ni core. Satisfactory agreement between experiment and theory is achieved for the measured transition energies and branching ratios. The calculations indicate that the yrast states are associated with rather complex configurations, herewith demonstrating the relative weakness of the $N=40$ subshell gap and the importance of multi-particle-hole excitations involving the ${g}_{9/2}$ neutron orbital.

Half-life (${T}_{1/2}$) and \ensuremath{\beta}-delayed neutron branching (${P}_{n}$) values of 492(25) ms and 49(8)$%$, 350(15) ms and 72(8)$%$, and 93(13) ms and 90(10)$%$ for the $r$-process nuclei ${}^{137,138,139}$Sb, respectively, have been measured at the CERN On-Line Isotope Mass Separator (ISOLDE) facility by counting \ensuremath{\beta}-delayed neutrons. More precise ${T}_{1/2}$ and ${P}_{n}$ values of 300(15) ms and 27(4)$%$, and 273(7) ms and 50(8)$%$ for ${}^{136,137}$Sn, respectively, have also been measured. The sources were prepared by using the selective ionization of Sb or Sn with the Resonance Ionization Laser Ion Source and the high-resolution mass separator. The new data for Sb isotopes are compared with calculated ${T}_{1/2}$ and ${P}_{n}$ values for both spherical and nonspherical shapes. The data have been incorporated into parametrized nucleosynthesis calculations of the $r$ process in high-entropy winds of core-collapse supernovae in order to study the properties of the $A$ $=$ 130 solar-system $r$-process abundance peak.

Level structures in $^{61,62}\mathrm{Mn}{}_{36,37}$ were studied with Gammasphere in the reaction of a $430$-MeV $^{64}\mathrm{Ni}$ beam and a thick $^{238}\mathrm{U}$ target. The newly identified levels decrease in excitation energy compared to the analogous structures in the lighter Mn isotopes and behave similarly to states in the corresponding Fe isotones that involve ${g}_{9/2}$ neutron excitations. This behavior illustrates the importance of the inclusion of the $\ensuremath{\nu}{g}_{9/2}$ orbital in any realistic shell-model calculations in this region.

Level structures in $^{60,62}\mathrm{Fe}{}_{34,36}$ and adjacent nuclei were studied with Gammasphere using the reaction of a $430$-MeV $^{64}\mathrm{Ni}$ beam on a 55-mg/cm${}^{2}$ thick $^{238}\mathrm{U}$ target. High-spin level schemes were deduced from singly- and doubly-gated prompt coincidence events. Levels populated in the $\ensuremath{\beta}$ decay of $^{60,62}\mathrm{Mn}$ isomers were studied in singly- and doubly-gated delayed coincidences. Spin and parity assignments were deduced from angular correlations of $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays observed in both nuclei, leading to firm positive-parity yrast assignments up through ${8}^{+}$ in $^{62}\mathrm{Fe}$. The observed levels for $^{60}\mathrm{Fe}$ up to $~3.5$ MeV compare well with $\mathit{pf}$ shell-model calculations available in the literature. Calculations performed in a limited $\mathit{pfg}$ basis exhibit reasonable agreement for the ${2}^{+}$, ${4}^{+}$, and ${6}^{+}$ levels in $^{62}\mathrm{Fe}$. However, theoretical descriptions that include the newly identified negative-parity levels in $^{62}\mathrm{Fe}$ require a much larger basis, necessarily including ${g}_{9/2}$ neutrons, as well as improved interactions leading to negative-parity levels.

The isomeric and $\beta$-decay properties of neutron-rich $^{53-57}$Sc and $^{53,54}$Ca nuclei near neutron number $N$=32 are reported, and the low-energy level schemes of $^{53,54,56}$Sc and $^{53-57}$Ti are presented. The low-energy level structures of the $_{21}$Sc isotopes are discussed in terms of the coupling of the valence $1f_{7/2}$ proton to states in the corresponding $_{20}$Ca cores. Implications with respect to the robustness of the $N$=32 subshell closure are discussed, as well as the repercussions for a possible $N$=34 subshell closure., Comment: 17 pages, 17 figures, accepted to Phys. Rev. C

$\ensuremath{\beta}$ decay of the $^{61}\mathrm{Cr}{}_{37}$ ground state has been studied. A new half-life of $233\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}11$ ms has been deduced, and seven delayed $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays have been assigned to the daughter $^{61}\mathrm{Mn}{}_{36}$. The low-energy level structure of $^{61}\mathrm{Mn}{}_{36}$ is similar to that of the less neutron-rich $^{57,59}\mathrm{Mn}$ nuclei. The odd-${A}_{25}$Mn isotopes follow the systematic trend in the yrast states of the even-even, $Z+1$ ${}_{26}$Fe isotopes, and not that of the $Z\ensuremath{-}1$ ${}_{24}$Cr isotopes, where a possible onset of collectivity has been suggested to occur already at $N=36$.

The neutron-rich isotopes {sup 65,67}Fe and {sup 65}Co have been produced at the LISOL facility, Louvain-La-Neuve, in the proton-induced fission of {sup 238}U. Beams of these isotopes have been extracted with high selectivity by means of resonant laser ionization combined with mass separation. Yrast and near-yrast levels of {sup 65}Co have also been populated in the {sup 64}Ni+{sup 238}U reaction at Argonne National Laboratory. The level structure of {sup 65}Co could be investigated by combining all the information from both the {sup 65}Fe and {sup 65}Co{beta} decay and the deep-inelastic reaction. The {sup 65}Fe, {sup 65}Co, and {sup 67}Fe decay schemes and the {sup 65}Co yrast structure are fully established. The {sup 65,67}Co level structures can be interpreted as resulting from the coexistence of core-coupled states with levels based on a low-energy proton-intruder configuration.

Two prompt $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays of energies 2020 and 554 keV were observed in coincidence with delayed transitions depopulating the ${19/2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ isomer in the $Z=29$, $N=42$ $^{71}\mathrm{Cu}$ nucleus. The newly identified transitions are proposed to deexcite the 4776- and 5330-keV levels above the ${19/2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ isomer. Based on the comparison with the low-lying positive-parity states observed in the $Z=42$, $N=50$ $^{92}\mathrm{Mo}$ nucleus, spin and parity ${23/2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ are proposed for the 4776-keV level in $^{71}\mathrm{Cu}$. The high-energy, 2020-keV transition is interpreted as arising from the breaking of the $N=40$ neutron core. Shell-model calculations with a $^{56}\mathrm{Ni}$ core reproduce the $(23/{2}^{\ensuremath{-}})\ensuremath{\rightarrow}(19/{2}^{\ensuremath{-}})$ gap well, suggesting that the ${23/2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ state is dominated by $\ensuremath{\pi}{p}_{3/2}\ensuremath{\nu}((\mathit{fp}){}^{10}({g}_{9/2}){}^{4})$ configurations. The present result constitutes further evidence supporting the view that the $N=40$ subshell closure persists in $^{71}\mathrm{Cu}$, herewith challenging recent suggestions that the coupling of two or more proton or neutron quasiparticles induces a large polarization of the $^{68}\mathrm{Ni}$ core.

Excited states in the neutron-rich 121, 123, 125Ag were studied via the fragmentation of a 136Xe beam at 120MeV/nucleon in a thick 9Be target. The levels in 121Ag were populated in the $ \beta$ decay of 121Pd while those assigned to 123, 125Ag were identified via isomer spectroscopy. The transitions identified in 121Ag are consistent with the $ \gamma$ -rays reported in 117, 119Ag . The newly observed transitions were placed in the level schemes of 123, 125Ag based on the analysis of $ \gamma$ - $ \gamma$ coincidences and the systematics. We attribute the onset of isomerism in the 123, 125Ag isotopes to the drop in energy of the negative-parity levels similar to the 5- state in the even-even Cd cores. The proposed level scheme for 125Ag is well described by the NuShellX shell model calculations.

Issues regarding the energy calibration of high dynamic range microcalorimeter detector arrays are presented with respect to new results from a minor actinide‐mixed oxide radioactive source. The need to move to larger arrays of such detectors necessitates the implementation of automated analysis procedures, which turn out to be nontrivial due to complex calibration shapes and pixel‐to‐pixel variability. Some possible avenues for improvement, including a more physics‐based calibration procedure, are suggested.

New levels have been established above the 861-keV, $9/{2}^{+}$ isomeric state in $^{61}\mathrm{Fe}$. The observations can be reproduced satisfactorily by shell model calculations, but only after a significant lowering of the $\ensuremath{\nu}{g}_{9/2}$ single-particle energy with respect to the value determined empirically from levels outside a $^{48}\mathrm{Ca}$ core. The results are also described well within the scope of the particle-triaxial-rotor model assuming a deformation ${\ensuremath{\beta}}_{2}~0.24$. The present findings, together with the recently measured magnetic and quadrupole moments of this state, point toward a structure possibly associated with a prolate shape.

The first in-beam γ-ray spectroscopy study of Al24 is presented. A complete level structure of Al24 incorporating all states below the proton-emission threshold, has been constructed. The first excited state above the proton threshold has also been identified as a 3+ state at 2345.1 ± 1.4 keV. This state, corresponding to a resonance energy of 473 ± 3 keV, has been suggested to be the dominant resonance contributing to the Mg23(p,γ)Al24 stellar reaction rate. The improved precision of the level energy and unambiguous assignment of the state has reduced the uncertainty of the Mg23(p,γ)Al24 stellar reaction rate, which constrains the production of A>20 nuclei in ONe novae. © 2008 The American Physical Society.

\ensuremath{\beta}-decay properties of neutron-rich Ca isotopes have been obtained. Half-life values were determined for the first time for $^{54}\mathrm{Ca}$ ($86\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}7$ ms), $^{55}\mathrm{Ca}$ ($22\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2$ ms), and $^{56}\mathrm{Ca}$ ($11\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2$ ms). The half-life of $230\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}60$ ms deduced for $^{53}\mathrm{Ca}$ is significantly longer than reported previously, where the decay chain $^{53}\mathrm{K}$ \ensuremath{\rightarrow} $^{53}\mathrm{Ca}$ \ensuremath{\rightarrow} $^{53}\mathrm{Sc}$ was considered. A delayed \ensuremath{\gamma} ray with an energy of 247 keV was identified following \ensuremath{\beta} decay of $^{54}\mathrm{Ca}$ and is proposed to depopulate the ${1}_{1}^{+}$ level in $^{54}\mathrm{Sc}$. The \ensuremath{\beta}-decay properties compare favorably with the results of shell-model calculations completed in the full $\mathit{pf}$ space with the GXPF1 interaction. The half-lives of the neutron-rich Ca isotopes are also compared with gross \ensuremath{\beta}-decay theory. The systematic trend of the neutron-rich Ca half-lives is consistent with the presence of a subshell gap at $N=32$.

A search for γ‐ray transitions in 101Sn, which contains only one neutron outside the 100Sn core, was carried out at the Argonne Tandem‐Linac Accelerator System. 101Sn nuclei were produced using the 46Ti(58Ni,3n)101Sn reaction. In‐beam γ rays were detected in the Gammasphere Ge‐detector array and were correlated with 101Sn β‐delayed protons using the Recoil‐Decay Tagging method. A γ‐ray line at 172 keV was assigned to 101Sn and was interpreted as the transition between the single‐neutron g7/2 and d5/2 states. The measured νg7/2‐ν d5/2 energy splitting is compared with predictions of various mean‐field potentials. It is also used to calculate multi‐neutron configurations in light Sn isotopes. Prospects of using β‐delayed protons for tagging other exotic nuclei in the 100Sn region are discussed.

The presence of isomeric levels with half-lives in the microsecond range has been identified in $^{125,126,127,128}\mathrm{Cd}$. Neutron-rich Cd isotopes were produced from the fragmentation of a 120 MeV/nucleon $^{136}\mathrm{Xe}$ beam and uniquely identified through their time-of-flight, energy loss, and total kinetic energy. \ensuremath{\gamma} rays from these isomeric levels were measured with an array of Ge detectors that were gated for 15 \ensuremath{\mu}s by a particle implantation trigger from a stack of Si detectors. The \ensuremath{\gamma} rays observed in the decay of $^{126,128}\mathrm{Cd}$ isomers populate low-energy levels previously identified in the \ensuremath{\beta} decay of $^{126,128}\mathrm{Ag}$. The \ensuremath{\gamma} rays found in the decay of $^{125,127}\mathrm{Cd}$ isomers are consistent with expected yrast structures observed in lighter, odd-mass Cd isotopes. The appearance of these isomers at the point where $N/Z$ exceeds 1.6 is interpreted as an indication of the onset of a weakened neutron-neutron interaction that has been proposed for $^{134}\mathrm{Sn}$, whose $N/Z$ also exceeds 1.6.

The first data on the relative single-particle energies outside the doubly magic (100)Sn nucleus were obtained. A prompt 171.7(6) keV gamma-ray transition was correlated with protons emitted following the beta decay of (101)Sn and is interpreted as the transition between the single-neutron g(7/2) and d(5/2) orbitals in (101)Sn. This observation provides a stringent test of current nuclear structure models. The measured nug(7/2)-nud(5/2) energy splitting is compared with values calculated using mean-field nuclear potentials and is used to calculate low-energy excited states in light Sn isotopes in the framework of the shell model. The correlation technique used in this work offers possibilities for future, more extensive spectroscopy near (100)Sn.

Gamma rays deexciting states in the proton emitter 145Tm were observed using the recoil-decay tagging method. The 145Tm ground-state rotational band was found to exhibit the properties expected for an h{11/2} proton decoupled band. In addition, coincidences between protons feeding the 2{+} state in 144Er and the 2{+}-->0{+} gamma-ray transition were detected, the first measurement of this kind, leading to a more precise value for the 2{+} excitation energy of 329(1) keV. Calculations with the particle-rotor model and the core quasiparticle coupling model indicate that the properties of the pi{11/2} band and the proton-decay rates in 145Tm are consistent with the presence of triaxiality with an asymmetry parameter gamma approximately 20 degrees .

The level structure of the $N=38$ isotone $^{64}\mathrm{Fe}$ was studied with the $^{64}\mathrm{Ni}$ + $^{238}\mathrm{U}$ reaction at 430 MeV. Several new levels were identified and compared to shell model calculations. Results show no evidence for deformation in the ground state, but a possible contribution from intruder orbitals at higher energy and spin.

The {alpha} decay of the neutron-deficient nuclide {sup 105}Te was observed. The {sup 50}Cr({sup 58}Ni,3n) reaction was used to produce {sup 105}Te nuclei. The {sup 105}Te residues were selected with the Argonne Fragment Mass Analyzer and implanted into a double-sided Si strip detector where their subsequent {alpha} decay was detected. An {alpha}-decay Q value of Q{sub {alpha}}=4900(50) keV and a half life of T{sub 1/2}=0.70(-0.17+0.25){mu}s were measured for {sup 105}Te and a reduced {alpha}-decay width of W{sub {alpha}}=3.3(-1.7+2.1) was deduced. The decay properties of {sup 105}Te are compared with those of heavier Te isotopes and theoretical predictions.

α‐decay is known in a few cases just above 100Sn. The lowest isospin nuclei in which it has been observed are the Tz=1 nuclei 114Ba, 110Xe, and 106Te. For the next lower isospin with Tz=12, N=Z+1, we used the reactions 58Ni + 58Ni and 58Ni + 54Fe to search for the 113Ba→109Xe→105Te→101Sn α‐decay chain. We found no candidates in our study. We set upper limits on the production of 113Ba via the 58Ni + 58Ni reaction and upper limits on the production of 109Xe via the 58Ni + 54Fe reaction.

International audience; Excited states in 3 transitional proton emitters 145, 146, 147Tm were studied using the Gammasphere Ge array coupled with the Argonne Fragment Mass Analyzer. The 147Tm level scheme was extended and the unfavored signature partner of the decoupled proton h11/2 band was found. A rotational band feeding the high-spin isomer in 146Tm was observed with properties similar to the 147Tm ground-state band. A regular sequence of gamma rays correlated with the ground-state 145Tm proton decay has properties of the h_1/2 band as well. In addition, coincidences between the fine structure proton line and the 2+ rightarrow 0+ gamma-ray transition in the daughter nucleus were detected. Comparison between level energies measured and calculated using the Particle Rotor model indicates that 145Tm might be gamma-soft.

The structure and decay of neutron‐rich r‐process nuclides has been studied by a variety of means that take advantage of enhanced selectivity to permit identification of exotic nuclides. New level structures are presented for 134,135Sb along with data for Ag isomers and Cd yrast structures. Some of the properties measured play an important role in calculations of the yields of elements and isotopes produced in r‐process nucleosynthesis that takes place at high temperature in the presence of large densities of neutrons.

International audience; Proton decay has been transformed in recent years from an exotic phenomenon into a powerful spectroscopic tool. The frontiers of experimental and theoretical proton-decay studies will be reviewed. Different aspects of proton decay will be illustrated with recent results on the deformed proton emitter $^{135}$Tb, the odd–odd deformed proton emitter $^{130}$Eu, the complex fine structure in the odd–odd $^{146}$Tm nucleus and on excited states in the transitional proton emitter $^{145}$Tm.

International audience; Gamma-rays from the odd-odd transitional proton-emitting nucleus 146Tm have been observed using the recoil-decay tagging technique. A rotational band similar to the h_11/2 decoupled band in 147Tm has been observed. The particle decay of 146Tm has been measured with improved statistics. A new decay scheme for 146Tm is discussed with reference to prompt and delayed gamma-rays detected in coincidence with particle decays.

International audience; Gamma rays from the transitional proton emitting nuclei 145,146,147Tm have been observed using the recoil-decay tagging technique. The ground state band of 147Tm was confirmed and extended and the unfavoured signature sequence was observed. A ground state rotational band with properties of a decoupled h11/2 band was observed in 145Tm. In addition coincidences between the proton fine structure line and the 2+-->0+ gamma-ray transition in 144Er were detected at the focal plane of the FMA. This is the first time that coincidences between proton radioactive decays and gamma rays have been seen. The particle decay of 146Tm has been measured with improved statistics and a rotational band similar to 147Tm has been observed.

The low-energy levels of $^{120}\mathrm{Pd}_{74}$ were populated by $\ensuremath{\beta}$ decay of $^{120}\mathrm{Rh}_{75}$, which was produced via projectile fragmentation of a $^{136}\mathrm{Xe}_{82}$ beam at $120\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{MeV}∕\text{nucleon}$. Delayed $\ensuremath{\beta}$-gated $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays with energies of 438 and $618\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{keV}$ were observed in coincidence with $^{120}\mathrm{Rh}_{75}$ fragments and assigned to the ${2}_{1}^{+}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{0}^{+}$ and ${4}_{1}^{+}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{2}_{1}^{+}$ transitions, respectively, in $^{120}\mathrm{Pd}_{74}$. Isomeric $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray transitions are also reported for $^{120}\mathrm{Rh}_{75}$ and $^{126}\mathrm{Cd}_{78}$. The low-energy structure of $^{120}\mathrm{Pd}_{74}$ shows remarkable similarity to those of the isotopic $^{108}\mathrm{Pd}_{62}$ and isotonic $^{128}\mathrm{Xe}_{74}$ suggesting that these nuclides share the same $Z=50$ and $N=82$ closed shell structures with neutron-rich $^{120}\mathrm{Pd}_{74}$.

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.

High-spin 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. By exploiting delayed and cross-coincidence techniques, level schemes have been delineated in odd ¹¹⁹⁻¹²⁵Sn isotopes. Particular attention was paid to the occurrence of 19/2⁺ and 23/2⁺ isomeric states for which the available information has now been significantly extended. Reduced transition probabilities, B(E2), extracted from the measured half-lives and the established details of the isomeric decays exhibit a striking regularity. This behavior was compared with the previously observed regularity of the B(E2) amplitudes for the seniority ν = 2 and 3, 10⁺ and 27/2⁻ isomers in even- and odd-Sn isotopes, respectively.

New data for low-spin low-energy levels in 111,134,135Sb are presented. The observed structures are compared to shell-model calculations. The monopole shifts for the d 5/2 and g 7/2 single-proton levels and the spin-orbit splitting for the d 5/2 and d 3/2 orbitals as N/Z moves from ∼1 up to 1.6 are discussed.