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Collisionless shocks are ubiquitous in the Universe and are held responsible for the production of nonthermal particles and high-energy radiation. In the absence of particle collisions in the system, theory shows that the interaction of an expanding plasma with a pre-existing electromagnetic structure (as in our case) is able to induce energy dissipation and allow shock formation. Shock formation can alternatively take place when two plasmas interact, through microscopic instabilities inducing electromagnetic fields that are able in turn to mediate energy dissipation and shock formation. Using our platform in which we couple a rapidly expanding plasma induced by high-power lasers (JLF/Titan at LLNL and LULI2000) with high-strength magnetic fields, we have investigated the generation of a magnetized collisionless shock and the associated particle energization. We have characterized the shock as being collisionless and supercritical. We report here on measurements of the plasma density and temperature, the electromagnetic field structures, and the particle energization in the experiments, under various conditions of ambient plasma and magnetic field. We have also modeled the formation of the shocks using macroscopic hydrodynamic simulations and the associated particle acceleration using kinetic particle-in-cell simulations. As a companion paper to Yao et al. [Nat. Phys. 17, 1177–1182 (2021)], here we show additional results of the experiments and simulations, providing more information to allow their reproduction and to demonstrate the robustness of our interpretation of the proton energization mechanism as being shock surfing acceleration.

The gyromagnetic factor of the low-lying Ex=684.10(19)keV isomeric state of the nucleus 99Mo was measured using the time-dependent perturbed angular distribution technique. This level is assigned a spin and parity of Jπ=11/2−, with a half-life of T1/2=742(13)ns. The state of interest was populated and spin-aligned via a single-neutron transfer on a highly enriched 98Mo target. A magnetic moment μexpt.=−0.627(20)μN was obtained. This result is far from the Schmidt value expected for a pure single-particle νh11/2 state. A comparison of experimental spectroscopic properties of this nucleus is made with results of multishell Interacting boson-fermion Model (IBFM-1) calculations. In this approach, the Jπ=11/2− isomeric state in 99Mo has a pure νh11/2 configuration. Its magnetic moment, as well as that of other two excited states could be reasonably well reproduced by reducing the free neutron spin g factor with a quenching factor of 0.45. This low value is not appropriate only for this case, similar values for the quenching factor being also required in order to describe magnetic moments in other nuclei from the same mass region

Charged particles can be accelerated to high energies by collisionless shock waves in astrophysical environments, such as supernova remnants. By interacting with the magnetized ambient medium, these shocks can transfer energy to particles. Despite increasing efforts in the characterization of these shocks from satellite measurements at Earth’s bow shock as well as powerful numerical simulations, the underlying acceleration mechanism or a combination thereof is still widely debated. Here we show that astrophysically relevant super-critical quasi-perpendicular magnetized collisionless shocks can be produced and characterized in the laboratory. We observe the characteristics of super-criticality in the shock profile as well as the energization of protons picked up from the ambient gas to hundreds of kiloelectronvolts. Kinetic simulations modelling the laboratory experiment identified shock surfing as the proton acceleration mechanism. Our observations not only provide direct evidence of early-stage ion energization by collisionless shocks but also highlight the role played by this particular mechanism in energizing ambient ions to feed further stages of acceleration. Furthermore, our results open the door to future laboratory experiments investigating the possible transition to other mechanisms, when increasing the magnetic field strength, or the effect that induced shock front ripples could have on acceleration processes. Proton acceleration by a super-critical collisionless shock is observed in laboratory experiments, and numerical simulations suggest shock surfing as the underlying acceleration mechanism.

The $^{86}\mathrm{Zr}$ nucleus, which has a low-lying level scheme characteristic of a transitional nucleus, presents, according to the existing electromagnetic transition data, a subunitary ${\mathrm{B}}_{4/2}=B(E2,{4}_{1}^{+}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{2}_{1}^{+})/B(E2,{2}_{1}^{+}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{0}_{1}^{+})$ ratio, which is anomalously low for a nonmagic nucleus, as it is outside the range of the traditional collective models values. In order to check this anomaly, we performed new measurements of the lifetimes of its low-lying states, with the $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray coincident recoil distance Doppler shift method, using the ROSPHERE detector array. New lifetimes were determined for the positive-parity yrast states up to the ${10}^{+}$ one, and for the ${8}_{2}^{+},\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}{5}_{1}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, and ${7}_{1}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ states. The newly determined values of the $B(E2)$ values for the ${2}_{1}^{+}$ and ${4}_{1}^{+}$ states characterize a nucleus with a moderate quadrupole deformation and are well described by the interacting boson model. The ratio ${B}_{4/2}=1.38(22)$ is no longer anomalous. The low $B(E2)$ value of the ${6}_{1}^{+}$ state indicates a noncollective structure.

The gyromagnetic factor of the low-lying E=251.96(9) keV isomeric state of the nucleus ^{99}Zr was measured using the time-dependent perturbed angular distribution technique. This level is assigned a spin and parity of J^{π}=7/2^{+}, with a half-life of T_{1/2}=336(5) ns. The isomer was produced and spin aligned via the abrasion-fission of a ^{238}U primary beam at RIKEN RIBF. A magnetic moment |μ|=2.31(14)μ_{N} was deduced showing that this isomer is not single particle in nature. A comparison of the experimental values with interacting boson-fermion model IBFM-1 results shows that this state is strongly mixed with a main νd_{5/2} composition. Furthermore, it was found that monopole single-particle evolution changes significantly with the appearance of collective modes, likely due to type-II shell evolution.

The structure of $^{34}$Si was studied through $\gamma$ spectroscopy separately in the $\beta^-$ decays of $^{34}$Mg and $^{34}$Al at the ISOLDE facility of CERN. Different configurations in $^{34}$Si were populated independently from the two recently identified $\beta$-decaying states in $^{34}$Al having spin-parity assignments $J^\pi = 4^-$ dominated by the normal configuration $\pi (d_{5/2})^{-1} \otimes \nu (f_{7/2})$ and $J^\pi = 1^+$ by the intruder configuration $\pi (d_{5/2})^{-1} \otimes \nu (d_{3/2})^{-1}(f_{7/2})^{2}$. The paper reports on spectroscopic properties of $^{34}$Si such as an extended level scheme, spin and parity assignments based on log($ft$) values and $\gamma$-ray branching ratios, absolute $\beta$ feeding intensities and neutron emission probabilities. A total of 11 newly identified levels and 26 transitions were added to the previously known level scheme of $^{34}$Si. Large scale shell-model calculations using the {\sc sdpf-u-mix} interaction, able to treat higher order intruder configurations, are compared with the new results and conclusions are drawn concerning the predictive power of {\sc sdpf-u-mix}, the $N=20$ shell gap, the level of mixing between normal and intruder configurations for the 0$_1^+$, 0$_2^+$ and 2$_1^+$ states and the absence of triaxial deformation in $^{34}$Si.

Lifetimes of intermediate-spin states in two rotational bands of 99Zr have been measured. These states were populated following the neutron-induced fission of 235U at the PF1B beamline of the Institut Laue-Langevin, Grenoble, during the EXILL-FATIMA campaign. The nucleus 99Zr59 exhibits shape coexistence and lies precisely on the border of an abrupt change in ground-state deformation when going from N=58 to N=60, making its study interesting for understanding the mechanisms involved in the rapid onset of deformation here. The B(E2) values extracted for decays in the ν3/2[541] band allow quadrupole deformations of β2=0.34(1) and 0.26(3) to be determined for the 821.6- and 1236.6-keV members, whereas β2=0.32(3) was found for the 850.5-keV member of the ν3/2[411]band. Some of the excited states known in 99Zr have been reasonably described with interacting boson-fermion model (IBFM) calculations. Type-II shell evolution is proposed to play a major role in modifying single-particle energies in 99Zr.

A new procedure for the analysis of delayed-coincidence lifetime experiments focused on the Fast-timing case is proposed following the approach of the Differential decay-curve method. Examples of application of the procedure on experimental data reveal its reliability for lifetimes even in the sub-nanosecond range. The procedure is expected to improve both precision/reliability and treatment of systematic errors and scarce data as well as to provide an option for cross-check with the results obtained by means of other analyzing methods.

Nowadays, it is possible to accelerate bunches of particles in the interaction of ultrahigh intensity (UHI) laser pulses with matter. Electrons, protons, ions, and high-energy photon beams can be produced in experiments and reach kinetic energies close to hundreds of megaelectronvolts for protons and gigaelectronvolts for electrons and for the associated Bremsstrahlung photons. At these energies, these beams can induce a large variety of nuclear reactions, which can be detected and studied using $\gamma $ -ray spectroscopy techniques. At standard accelerator facilities, scintillator detectors are commonly used to perform prompt $\gamma $ -ray spectrometry studies. However, during laser–matter interactions, high fluxes of X-rays (mostly soft) are generated, which lead to instantaneous huge energy deposits (~1 $\mu \text{J}$ ) in these scintillators. Depending on the laser characteristics (energy and pulse duration), the detector recovery time after these X-ray flashes can reach several milliseconds, which makes any prompt or “in beam” measurement impossible. The origin of this long-duration signal is investigated in the case of a LaBr3 crystal coupled to different photodetectors. While it was impossible using standard photomultiplier tubes to detect $\gamma $ -ray emissions before a few milliseconds after a laser shot, we could, using a hybrid photodiode, resolve single $\gamma $ -ray emission a few tens of microseconds after the laser shot. Furthermore, we have also shown that the LaBr3 scintillator presents an unexpected long-lived light emission (afterglow). Directions are suggested for future studies in order to minimize the effects of this afterglow emission.

International audience; Short intense pulses of fast neutrons were produced in a two stage laser-driven experiment. Protons were accelerated by means of the Target Normal Sheath Acceleration (TNSA) method using the TITAN facility at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Neutrons were obtained following interactions of the protons with a secondary lithium fluoride (LiF) target. The properties of the neutron flux were studied using BC-400 plastic scintillation detectors and the neutron time of flight (nTOF) technique. The detector setup and the experimental conditions were simulated with the Geant4 toolkit. The effects of different components of the experimental setup on the nTOF were studied. Preliminary results from a comparison between experimental and simulated nTOF distributions are presented.

$^{111}\mathrm{Ag}$ and $^{113}\mathrm{Ag}$ were produced in induced fission reaction, where yrast and near-yrast states were populated. To interpret the new data the Interacting Boson-Fermion Model was used. A good agreement with the experimental data is achieved, suggesting that the two Ag nuclei have a well-developed collectivity, superimposed on $\ensuremath{\pi}{g}_{9/2}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ excitations previously observed throughout the entire isotopic chain.

The properties of excited states in the neutron-rich nucleus 194Os have been investigated using the 192Os(18O,16O)194Os reaction with an 80 MeV beam provided by the IFIN-HH Laboratory, Bucharest. Discrete γ -ray decays from excited states have been measured using the hybrid HPGe-LaBr3(Ce) array RoSPHERE. The current work identifies a number of previously unreported low-lying nonyrast states in 194Os as well as the first measurement of the half-life of the yrast 2+ state of 302(50) ps. This is equivalent to a B(E2 : 2+ → 0+) = 45(16) W.u. and intrinsic quadrupole deformation of βeff = 0.14(1). The experimental results are compared with Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov–interacting-boson-model calculations and are consistent with a reduction in a quadrupole collectivity in Os isotopes with increasing neutron number.

The structure of the low-lying states in the odd- and even-mass $A\ensuremath{\approx}100$ Ru isotopes is studied in the framework of two algebraic models. The even-mass Ru nuclei are first described within the interacting boson model 1 (IBM-1). The output of these calculations was then used to calculate the odd-$A$ isotopes within the interacting boson-fermion model 1 (IBFM-1), where a coupling of the odd neutron to the even-even core is considered. The level energies and transition probabilities calculated in the present work are tested against the experimental data. One-nucleon transfer spectroscopic factors as well as electromagnetic moments were also calculated for the odd-$A$ Ru and compared to the experimental values. The transitional character of the isotopes is studied. Most of the low-lying positive-parity states in the odd-$A$ Ru nuclei below 2 MeV are interpreted on the basis of $\ensuremath{\nu}{d}_{5/2}$ and $\ensuremath{\nu}{g}_{7/2}$ configurations. The role of the $\ensuremath{\nu}{s}_{1/2}$ orbital in the nuclear structure of the odd-mass Ru nuclei at low energies is also studied. The negative-parity states are interpreted as $\ensuremath{\nu}{h}_{11/2}$ excitations coupled to the core. The evolution of the IBM-1 and IBFM-1 parameters is discussed.

At the PF1B cold neutron beam line at the Institut Laue Langevin, the EXILL array consisting of EXOGAM, GASP and ILL-Clover detectors was used to perform (n,$\gamma$) measurements at very high coincidence rates. About ten different reactions were measured in autumn 2012 using a highly collimated cold neutron beam. In spring 2013, the EXOGAM array was combined with 16 LaBr3(Ce) scintillators in the EXILL&FATIMA campaign for the measurement of lifetimes using the generalised centroid difference method. We report on the properties of the set-ups and present first results from both campaigns.

At the PF1B cold-neutron beam line of the Institut Laue Langevin, the EXILL&FATIMA array, consisting of EXOGAM Ge detectors and fast LaBr3(Ce) scintillators, was used to perform fast electronic timing measurements after the 195Pt(n, γ) reaction using a highly collimated cold-neutron beam. An upper lifetime limit was obtained for the third 0 + state in 196Pt. As this state is the lowest state of the σ = N − 2 set of SO(6) states, the selection rule which forbids E2 transitions to the lower lying σ = N could be tested.

A smooth onset of collectivity in ${}^{88,92,94,96}\mathrm{Kr}$ has been determined from reported $B(E2;{2}_{1}^{+}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{0}_{1}^{+})$ and $E({2}_{1}^{+})$ values. This is in contrast to the sudden onset in even-even Zr, Mo, and Sr isotopes. Our objective was to complete the systematics by determining the $B(E2;{2}_{1}^{+}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{0}_{1}^{+})$ value in $^{90}\mathrm{Kr}$, which was produced by cold-neutron-induced fission of ${}^{235}\mathrm{U}$. The lifetime of the ${2}_{1}^{+}$ state in $^{90}\mathrm{Kr}$ was measured via the electronic $\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ timing technique using the EXILL and FATIMA spectrometers. Based on the measured mean lifetime of $\ensuremath{\tau}$ = 15(10) ps, the $B(E2;{2}_{1}^{+}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{0}_{1}^{+})$ value of $13{}_{\ensuremath{-}5}^{+26}$ W.u. in $^{90}\mathrm{Kr}$ is determined for the first time and the smooth onset of deformation in the even-even Kr isotopes beyond neutron number $N=50$ is confirmed.

New positive-parity states, having a bandlike structure, were observed in $^{105}\mathrm{Ru}$. The nucleus was produced in an induced fission reaction, and the prompt $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-rays, emitted from the fragments, were detected by the EUROBALL III multidetector array. The partial scheme of excited $^{105}\mathrm{Ru}$ levels is analyzed within the triaxial-rotor-plus-particle approach.

A range of high resolution gamma-ray spectroscopy measurements have been carried out using arrays which include a number of Cerium-doped Lanthanum-Tribromide (LrBr3 (Ce)) scintillation detectors used in conjunction with high-resolution hyper-pure germanium detectors. Examples of the spectral and temporal responses of such set-ups, using both standard point radioactive sources 152 Eu and 56 Co, and in-beam fusionevaporation reaction experiments for precision measurements of nuclear excited states in 34 P and 138 Ce are presented. The current and future use of such arrays at existing (EURICA at RIKEN) and future (NUSTAR at FAIR) secondary radioactive beam facilities for precision measurements of excited nuclear state lifetimes in the 10 ps to 10 ns regime are also discussed.

The authors describe a rare case of bilateral tubal pregnancy after IVF. The patient is with secondary infertility. The preceding diagnostic laparoscopy excluded the presence of tubal factor. The results of the spermogram show average to severe form of Oligoasthenozoospermia. Short protocol with GnRH-antagonist was performed and two embryos were transferred on the third day. On the 36th day after the embryo transfer the patient was hospitalized with abdominal pain in the right hypogastric region, clinical and ultrasound indications for hemoperitoneum. Urgent laparotomy was performed followed by salpingectomy dextra due to hemoperitoneum caused by tubal abortion. The examination of the left adnexa reveals uruptured tubal pregnancy in the isthmic part of the tube and the decision for salpingectomy sinistra was taken. Histological examinations confirmed the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy in both tubes. The frequency of some rare forms and localizations of ectopic as well as heterotopic pregnancies increase after ART.

The half-life of the yrast I π = 2+ state in the neutron-rich nucleus 188W has been measured using fast-timing techniques with the HPGe and LaBr3:Ce array at the National Institute of Physics and Nuclear Engineering, Bucharest. The resulting value of t1/2 = 0.87(12) ns is equivalent to a reduced transition probability of B(E2; 2+ 1 → 0+ 1 ) = 85(12) W.u. for this transition. The B(E2; 2+ 1 → 0+ 1 ) is compared to neighboring tungsten isotopes and nuclei in the Hf, Os, and Pt isotopic chains. Woods-Saxon potential energy surface (PES) calculations have been performed for nuclei in the tungsten isotopic chain and predict prolate deformed minima with rapidly increasing γ softness for 184–192W and an oblate minimum for 194W.

The neutron-rich nucleus 117Rh was synthesized in the fission of a relativistic 238U beam produced at the GSI laboratory in Darmstadt, Germany. An isomeric state with t1/2=138(17) ns decaying by a single γ ray was observed, providing the first information on the excited states in this nucleus. The experimental data are discussed in terms of systematics and interpreted by using the Woods-Saxon deformed shell model and triaxial-rotor-plus-particle calculations. The origin of the isomer is explained as being due to a hindered E2 transition to the ground state.

Neutron-rich silver isotopes were populated in the fragmentation of a 136Xe beam and the relativistic fission of 238U. The fragments were mass analyzed with the GSI Fragment Separator and subsequently implanted into a passive stopper. Isomeric transitions were detected by 105 high-purity germanium detectors. Eight isomeric states were observed in 122-126Ag nuclei. The level schemes of 122,123,125Ag were revised and extended with isomeric transitions being observed for the first time. The excited states in the odd-mass silver isotopes are interpreted as core-coupled states. The isomeric states in the even-mass silver isotopes are discussed in the framework of the proton-neutron split multiplets. The results of shell-model calculations, performed for the most neutron-rich silver nuclei are compared to the experimental data. © 2013 American Physical Society., Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación under conctracts FPA2009-13377-C02-02 and FPA2011-29854-C04-01 and the Spanish Consolider-Ingenio 2010 Programme CPAN (CSD2007-00042).

The half-life of the Iπ=6+ yrast state at Ex=2294 keV in 138Ce has been measured as T1/2=880(19) ps using the fast-timing γ-ray coincidence method with a mixed LaBr3(Ce)-HPGe array. The excited states in 138Ce have been populated by the 130Te(12C,4n) fusion-evaporation reaction at an incident beam energy of 56 MeV. The extracted B(E2;61+→41+)=0.101(24) W.u. value is compared with the predictions of truncated basis shell model calculations and with the systematics of the region. This shows an anomalous behavior compared to the neighboring isotonic and isotopic chains. Half-lives for the yrast 5-, 11+ and 14+ states in 138Ce have also been determined in this work.

An overview of the use of discrete energy gamma-ray detectors based on cerium- doped LaBr3 scintillators for use in nuclear spectroscopy is presented. This review includes recent applications of such detectors in mixed, 'hybrid' gamma-ray coincidence detection arrays such ROSPHERE at IFIN-HH, Bucharest; EXILL+FATIMA at ILL Grenoble, France; GAMMASPHERE+FATIMA at Argonne National Laboratory, USA; FATIMA + EURICA, at RIKEN, Japan; and the National Nuclear Array (NANA) at the UK's National Physical Laboratory. This conference paper highlights the capabilities and limitations of using these sub-nanosecond 'fast-timing', medium-resolution gamma-ray detectors for both nuclear structure research and radionuclide standardisation. Potential future application of such coincidence scintillator arrays in measurements of civilian nuclear fuel waste evaluation and assay is demonstrated using coincidence spectroscopy of a mixed 134,7Cs source.

The neutron-rich nuclei 109Pd and 111Pd were produced as fission fragments following the 30Si+168Er reaction at 142 MeV. Using the identification based on the coincidences with the complementary fission fragments, the only positive-parity bands observed so far in 109Pd and 111Pd emerged from this work. A band, built on top of the 5/2+ ground state exhibiting ΔI=1 energy-level staggering, was observed in each of these nuclei. Both nuclei of interest, 109Pd and 111Pd, are suggested to lie in the transitional region of Pd isotopes of maximum γ softness. The ground states of both nuclei are predicted by total Routhian surface calculations to be extremely γ soft with shallow triaxial minima. The first crossing in the new bands is proposed to be attributable to an alignment of h11/22 neutrons.

7Li induced-reactions have been used with a 186W target to populate nuclei around A∼180-190 at the National Institute of Physics and Nuclear Engineering in Bucharest, Romania. An array of high-purity germanium (HPGe) and cerium-doped lanthanum bromide (LaBr3:Ce) detectors have been used to measure sub-nanosecond half-lives with fast-timing techniques. The yrast 2+ state in 190Os was measured to be t1/2 = 375(20)ps, in excellent agreement with the literature value. The previously unreported half-life of the 564-keV state in 189Ir has also been measured and a value of t1/2 = 540(100)ps ps obtained.

Neutron-rich nuclei were populated in a relativistic fission of 238U. Gamma-rays with energies of 135 keV and 184 keV were associated with two isomeric states in 121Pd and 117Ru. Half-lives of 0.63(5) microseconds and 2.0(3) micrisecondss were deduced and the isomeric states were interpreted in terms of deformed single-particle states.

The aim of this study is to compare the efficiency of the "flare up" protocol (mini-dose GnRH-ag, macro-dose FSH, GnRH-ant, HCG)-gr. A, with a modified natural cycle IVF (GnRH-ant, HCG)-gr. B.In gr. A 140 and in gr. B 17 patients were assessed. The average age is 35.5 in gr. A and 35 years in gr. B. The embryo transfer is realized 48-72 hours after ovarian puncture in 98 cases (70%) in gr. A and 11 cases (64.7%) in gr. B. Clinical pregnancy is registered in 32 cases (22.8% per cycle, 32.6% per transfer) in gr. A and 4 cases (23.5% per cycle, 36.3% per transfer) in gr. B. In gr. A the cancellation rate is 30%-42 cases and in gr. B--35.3%--6 cases.The preliminary results indicate that the 2 methods are equal as regards cancellation and success rate. The natural and modified natural cycle IVF have the following advantages: minimization of severe early and late complications and multifetal pregnancies as well as cost-effectiveness and better chance for pregnancy cumulation rate. There is no doubt that the "mild" and natural, resp. modified natural protocols will displace the conventional hyperstimulation regimens.

Fast-timing measurements were performed in the region of the medium-mass $^{103,105,107}\mathrm{Cd}$ isotopes, produced in fusion evaporation reactions. Results on new and reevaluated half-lives are analyzed within a systematic study of transition rates. The $7/{2}_{1}^{+}$ states in $^{103,105,107}\mathrm{Cd}$ are interpreted as arising from a single-particle excitation. The $9/{2}^{+}$ states configuration assignment is based on the observed decay branches.

Half-lives of the 19/2+ and 21/2+ states in 95Mo and of the 8+ and 10+ states in 96Mo were measured. Matrix elements for yrast transitions in 95Mo and 96Mo are discussed., Comment: Proceedings of XIX International School on Nuclear Physics, Neutron Physics and Applications, Varna, Bulgaria, 2011, 5 pages, 6 figures

A fast-timing method to determine lifetimes of nuclear states in the sub-nanosecond domain is presented. It is based on in-beam measurements of triple-gamma coincidences in heavy-ion fusion-evaporation reactions, performed with an array of HPGe and LaBr(3):Ce detectors. The high-energy resolution HPGe detectors are used to define de-exciting cascades, while the fast LaBr(3):Ce detectors are used to determine the decay time spectra of selected levels fed by these cascades. A special method to treat the time information of an array of fast detectors is employed in order to fully use the efficiency of the array. Two measurements are presented to illustrate the method: a re-determination of the known half-life T(1/2) = 0.7 ns of 7/2(+) level in (107)Cd (test experiment), and the determination of a half-life T(1/2) = 0.7 ns of the E(x) = 205 keV, J(pi) = 7/2(+) level in (107)Cd (test experiment), and the determination of a half-life T(1/2) = 47 ps for the E(x) = 367 keV, J(pi) = 3/2(+) state of (199)Tl..

The neutron-rich nuclei 109 Pd and 111Pd were produced as fission fragments following the 30Si + 168Er reaction at a beam energy of 142 MeV. Using the identification based on the coincidences with the complementary fission fragments, the ground state bands in 109Pd and 111Pd were found. They are the only positive-parity bands observed so far in 109Pd and 111 Pd. A band, built on top of the 5/2+ ground state exhibiting ΔI = 1 energy-level staggering was observed in each of these nuclei. Both nuclei of interest, 109Pd and 111 Pd, are suggested to lie in the transitional region of Pd isotopes of maximum γ-softness. The ground states of both nuclei are predicted by TRS calculations to be extremely γ-soft with shallow triaxial minima. The first crossing in the new bands is proposed to be due to an alignment of h211/2 neutrons.

At the PF1B cold neutron beam line at the Institut Laue Langevin the EXILL array consisting of EXOGAM, GASP and LOHENGRIN detectors was used to perform (n,γ) measurements under very high coincidence rates. About ten different reactions were then measured in autumn 2012. In spring 2013 the EXOGAM array was combined with 16 LaBr3(Ce) scintillators in the FATIMA@EXILL campaign for the measurement of lifetimes using the generalised centroid difference method. We report on the properties of both set-ups and present first results on Pt isotopes from both campaigns.

Context. Colliding collisionless shocks appear across a broad variety of astrophysical phenomena and are thought to be possible sources of particle acceleration in the Universe. Aims. The main goal of our experimental and computational work is to understand the effect of the interpenetration between two subcritical collisionless shocks on particle energization. Methods. To investigate the detailed dynamics of this phenomenon, we performed a dedicated laboratory experiment. We generated two counter-streaming subcritical collisionless magnetized shocks by irradiating two Teflon (C2F4) targets with 100 J, 1 ns laser beams on the LULI2000 laser facility. The interaction region between the plasma flows was pre-filled with a low-density background hydrogen plasma and initialized with an externally applied homogeneous magnetic field perpendicular to the shocks. We also modeled the macroscopic evolution of the system via hydrodynamic simulations and the microphysics at play during the interaction via particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations. Results. Here, we report our measurements of the plasma density and temperature during the formation of the supercritical shocks, their transition to subcritical, and their final interpenetration. We find that in the presence of two shocks, the ambient ions reach energies around 1.5 times of those obtained with single shocks. Both the presence of the downstream zone of the second shock and of the downstream zone common for the two shocks play a role in the different energization: the characteristics of the perpendicular electric fields in the two areas indeed allow for certain particles to continue being accelerated or, at least, to avoid being decelerated. Conclusions. The findings of our laboratory investigation are relevant for our understanding of the energy distribution of high-energy particles that populate the interplanetary space in our solar system and the very local interstellar medium around the heliopause, where observations have indicated evidence of subcritical collisionless shocks that may eventually go on to collide with one another.