Intruder dominance in the 0⁺₂ state of ³²Mg studied with a novel technique for in-flight decays

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 0⁺₂ state in 32Mg populated in a two-proton removal reaction. We confirm the 0⁺₂→2+1γ-ray transition of ³²Mg and constrain the 0⁺₂ decay lifetime, suggesting a large collectivity. The small partial cross section populating the 0⁺₂ state in this reaction provides experimental evidence for the reduced occupancy of the normal configuration of the 0⁺₂ state, indicating the intruder dominance of this state.