1. |
- Boutachkov, P., et al.
(author)
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High-spin isomers in 96Ag : excitations across the Z=38 and Z=50, N=50 closed shells
- 2011
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In: Physical Review C. Nuclear Physics. - 0556-2813 .- 1089-490X. ; 84:4
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Excited states in (96)Ag were populated in fragmentation of an 850-MeV/u (124)Xe beam on a 4-g/cm(2) Be target. Three new high-spin isomers were identified and the structure of the populated states was investigated. The level scheme of (96)Ag was established, and a spin parity of (13(-)), (15(+)), and (19(+)) was assigned to the new isomeric states. Shell-model calculations were performed in various model spaces, including pi nu(p(1/2), g(9/2), f(5/2), p(3/2)) and the large-scale shell-model space pi nu(gds), to account for the observed parity changing M2 and E3 transitions from the (13(-)) isomer and the E2 and E4 transitions from the (19(+)) core-excited isomer, respectively. The calculated level schemes and reduced transition strengths are found to be in very good agreement with the experiment.
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2. |
- Cederwall, Bo, et al.
(author)
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Evidence for a spin-aligned neutron-proton paired phase from the level structure of 92Pd
- 2011
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In: Nature. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0028-0836 .- 1476-4687. ; 469:7328, s. 68-71
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Shell structure and magic numbers in atomic nuclei were generally explained by pioneering work(1) that introduced a strong spin-orbit interaction to the nuclear shell model potential. However, knowledge of nuclear forces and the mechanisms governing the structure of nuclei, in particular far from stability, is still incomplete. In nuclei with equal neutron and proton numbers (N = Z), enhanced correlations arise between neutrons and protons (two distinct types of fermions) that occupy orbitals with the same quantum numbers. Such correlations have been predicted to favour an unusual type of nuclear superfluidity, termed isoscalar neutron-proton pairing(2-6), in addition to normal isovector pairing. Despite many experimental efforts, these predictions have not been confirmed. Here we report the experimental observation of excited states in the N = Z = 46 nucleus Pd-92. Gamma rays emitted following the Ni-58(Ar-36,2n)Pd-92 fusion-evaporation reaction were identified using a combination of state-of-the-art high-resolution c-ray, charged-particle and neutron detector systems. Our results reveal evidence for a spin-aligned, isoscalar neutron-proton coupling scheme, different from the previous prediction(2-6). We suggest that this coupling scheme replaces normal superfluidity (characterized by seniority coupling(7,8)) in the ground and low-lying excited states of the heaviest N = Z nuclei. Such strong, isoscalar neutron-proton correlations would have a considerable impact on the nuclear level structure and possibly influence the dynamics of rapid proton capture in stellar nucleosynthesis.
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3. |
- Hinke, C. B., et al.
(author)
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Superallowed Gamow-Teller decay of the doubly magic nucleus 100Sn
- 2012
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In: Nature. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0028-0836 .- 1476-4687. ; 486:7403, s. 341-345
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The shell structure of atomic nuclei is associated with 'magic numbers' and originates in the nearly independent motion of neutrons and protons in a mean potential generated by all nucleons. During beta(+)-decay, a proton transforms into a neutron in a previously not fully occupied orbital, emitting a positron-neutrino pair with either parallel or antiparallel spins, in a Gamow-Teller or Fermi transition, respectively. The transition probability, or strength, of a Gamow-Teller transition depends sensitively on the underlying shell structure and is usually distributed among many states in the neighbouring nucleus. Here we report measurements of the half-life and decay energy for the decay of Sn-100, the heaviest doubly magic nucleus with equal numbers of protons and neutrons. In the beta-decay of Sn-100, a large fraction of the strength is observable because of the large decay energy. We determine the largest Gamow-Teller strength so far measured in allowed nuclear beta-decay, establishing the 'superallowed' nature of this Gamow-Teller transition. The large strength and the low-energy states in the daughter nucleus, In-100, are well reproduced by modern, large-scale shell model calculations.
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4. |
- Akkoyun, S., et al.
(author)
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AGATA - Advanced GAmma Tracking Array
- 2012
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In: Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research, Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment. - : Elsevier BV. - 0168-9002 .- 0167-5087 .- 1872-9576. ; 668, s. 26-58
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Advanced GAmma Tracking Array (AGATA) is a European project to develop and operate the next generation γ-ray spectrometer. AGATA is based on the technique of γ-ray energy tracking in electrically segmented high-purity germanium crystals. This technique requires the accurate determination of the energy, time and position of every interaction as a γ ray deposits its energy within the detector volume. Reconstruction of the full interaction path results in a detector with very high efficiency and excellent spectral response. The realisation of γ-ray tracking and AGATA is a result of many technical advances. These include the development of encapsulated highly segmented germanium detectors assembled in a triple cluster detector cryostat, an electronics system with fast digital sampling and a data acquisition system to process the data at a high rate. The full characterisation of the crystals was measured and compared with detector- response simulations. This enabled pulse-shape analysis algorithms, to extract energy, time and position, to be employed. In addition, tracking algorithms for event reconstruction were developed. The first phase of AGATA is now complete and operational in its first physics campaign. In the future AGATA will be moved between laboratories in Europe and operated in a series of campaigns to take advantage of the different beams and facilities available to maximise its science output. The paper reviews all the achievements made in the AGATA project including all the necessary infrastructure to operate and support the spectrometer. © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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5. |
- Boutachkov, P., et al.
(author)
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Isomer and Beta-decay Spectroscopy of Tz=1 Isotopes Below the N=Z=50 Shell Gap
- 2011
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In: Journal of Physics: Conference Series. - : IOP Publishing. - 1742-6596 .- 1742-6588. ; 312:9
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The RISING setup at the GSI-FRS facility was used to investigate the isomer and beta decays in N~Z~50 Cd, Ag and Pd isotopes. A preliminary analysis of the data has revealed new results on the Tz=1, 94Pd, 96Ag and 98Cd isotopes. In 94Pd a new high-spin isomer was observed, whilst in 96Ag 3 new isomeric states were identified, including core-excited states. In 98Cd a new high-energy isomeric γ-ray transition is observed, thus enabling us to confirm the previous spin assignment for the core-excited 12+ isomer.
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6. |
- Brock, T. S., et al.
(author)
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Observation of a new high-spin isomer in Pd-94
- 2010
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In: Physical Review C. Nuclear Physics. - 0556-2813 .- 1089-490X. ; 82:6, s. 061309-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A second gamma-decaying high-spin isomeric state, with a half-life of 197(22) ns, has been identified in the N = Z + 2 nuclide Pd-94 as part of a stopped-beam Rare Isotope Spectroscopic INvestigation at GSI (RISING) experiment. Weisskopf estimates were used to establish a tentative spin/parity of 19(-), corresponding to the maximum possible spin of a negative parity state in the restricted (p(1/2), g(9/2)) model space of empirical shell model calculations. The reproduction of the E3 decay properties of the isomer required an extension of the model space to include the f (5/2) and p(3/2) orbitals using the CD-Bonn potential. This is the first time that such an extension has been required for a high-spin isomer in the vicinity of Sn-100 and reveals the importance of such orbits for understanding the decay properties of high-spin isomers in this region. However, despite the need for the extended model space for the E3 decay, the dominant configuration for the 19(-) state remains (p p(1/2)(-1)g(9/2)(-3))(11)circle times(nu g(9/2)(-2))(8). The half-life of the known, 14(+), isomer was remeasured and yielded a value of 499(13) ns.
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7. |
- Ghazi Moradi, Farnaz, 1976-, et al.
(author)
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Character of particle-hole excitations in Ru-94 deduced from gamma-ray angular correlation and linear polarization measurements
- 2014
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In: Physical Review C. Nuclear Physics. - 0556-2813 .- 1089-490X. ; 89:1, s. 014301-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Linear polarization and angular correlations of gamma-rays depopulating excited states in the neutron-deficient nucleus Ru-94(44)50 have been measured, enabling firm spin-parity assignments for several excited states in this nucleus. The deduced multipolarities of strong transitions in the yrast structure were found to be mostly of stretched M1, E1, and E2 types and, in most cases, in agreement with previous tentative assignments. The deduced multipolarity of the 1869 keV and the connecting 257 and 1641 keV transitions indicates that the state at 6358 keV excitation energy has spin parity 12(1)(-) rather than 12(3)(+) as proposed in previous works. The presence of a 12(1)(-) state is interpreted within the framework of large-scale shell-model calculations as a pure proton-hole state dominated by the pi(p(1/2)(-1)circle times g(9/2)(-5)) and pi(p(3/2)(-1) g(9/2)(-5)) configurations. A new positive-parity state is observed at 6103 keV and is tentatively assigned as 12(2)(+). The 14(1)(-) state proposed earlier is reassigned as 13(4)(-) and is interpreted as being dominated by neutron particle-hole core excitations. The strengths of several E1 transitions have been measured and are found to provide a signature of core-excited configurations.
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8. |
- Ghazi Moradi, Farnaz, et al.
(author)
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High-spin study of 162Ta
- 2011
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In: Physical Review C. Nuclear Physics. - 0556-2813 .- 1089-490X. ; 84:6, s. 064312-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Excited states in the odd-odd neutron deficient nucleus (162)Ta (Z = 73, N = 89) have been studied for the first time. The gamma spectroscopy analysis using gamma - gamma - gamma coincidences revealed a strongly coupled rotational structure that was established up to large angular momentum states. The rotational band was assigned to the configuration pi h(11/2)[514]9/2 circle times nu i(13/2)[660]1/2 based on its rotational and electromagnetic properties. The data are interpreted within the framework of total Routhian surface calculations, which suggests an axially symmetric shape with a gamma-softminimum at beta(2) approximate to 0.16 and gamma approximate to 6 degrees. The crossing of the signature partners observed in heavier (N >= 91) odd-odd nuclides in this mass region is found to be absent at N = 89. This might be correlated with a change in S-band structure above the paired band crossing at these neutron numbers.
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9. |
- Ghazi Moradi, Farnaz, et al.
(author)
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Spectroscopy of the neutron-deficient N=50 nucleus Rh-95
- 2014
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In: Physical Review C. Nuclear Physics. - 0556-2813 .- 1089-490X. ; 89:4, s. 044310-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The neutron-deficient semimagic (neutron number N = 50) Rh-95 nucleus has been produced at high spins using the projectile-target system Ca-40 + Ni-58 at 125 MeV beam energy. The gamma-decays of levels populated by the 3p fusion evaporation reaction channel were studied using gamma-gamma coincidences, and 20 new gamma-ray transitions involving 15 new positive-and negative-parity states were observed. Spin and parity for many of the excited states were firmly deduced for the first time using the combined directional angular correlation and direction-polarization techniques. The observed structures are discussed within the framework of large-scale shell model calculations. E1 transition strengths were deduced and used together with the results of the shell model calculations to study the contribution of different particle-hole configurations, in particular for analyzing contributions from core-excited configurations.
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10. |
- Senyigit, M., et al.
(author)
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Identification and rejection of scattered neutrons in AGATA
- 2014
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In: Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A. - : Elsevier BV. - 0168-9002 .- 1872-9576. ; 735, s. 267-276
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- gamma Rays and neutrons, emitted following spontaneous fission of Cf-252, were measured in an AGATA experiment performed at INFN Laboratori Nazionali di Legnaro in Italy. The setup consisted of four AGATA triple cluster detectors (12 36 fold segmented high purity germanium crystals), placed at a distance of 50 cm from the source, and 16 HELENA BaF2 detectors. The aim of the experiment was to study the interaction of neutrons in the segmented high purity germanium detectors of AGATA and to investigate the possibility to discriminate neutrons and gamma rays with the gamma-ray tracking technique. The BaF2 detectors were used for a time measurement, which gave an independent discrimination of neutrons and gamma rays and which was used to optimise the gamma-ray tracking based neutron rejection methods. It was found that standard gamma-ray tracking, without any additional neutron rejection features, eliminates effectively most of the interaction points clue to recoiling Ge nuclei after elastic scattering of neutrons. Standard Cracking rejects also a significant amount of the events due to inelastic scattering of neutrons in the germanium crystals. Further enhancements of the neutron rejection was obtained by setting conditions on the following quantities, which were evaluated for each event by the Cracking algorithm: energy of the first and second interaction point, difference in the calculated incoming direction of the gamma ray, and figure-of-merit value. The experimental results of Cracking with neutron rejection agree rather well with GEANT4 simulations.
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11. |
- Singh, B. S. Nara, et al.
(author)
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16(+) Spin-Gap Isomer in (96)Cd
- 2011
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In: Physical Review Letters. - 0031-9007 .- 1079-7114. ; 107:17, s. 172502-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A beta-decaying high-spin isomer in (96)Cd, with a half-life T(1/2) = 0.29(-0.10)(+0.11) s, has been established in a stopped beam rare isotope spectroscopic investigations at GSI (RISING) experiment. The nuclei were produced using the fragmentation of a primary beam of (124)Xe on a (9)Be target. From the half-life and the observed gamma decays in the daughter nucleus, (96)Ag, we conclude that the beta-decaying state is the long predicted 16(+) "spin-gap'' isomer. Shell-model calculations, using the Gross-Frenkel interaction and the pi nu(p(1/2,)g(9/2)) model space, show that the isoscalar component of the neutron-proton interaction is essential to explain the origin of the isomer. Core excitations across the N = Z = 50 gaps and the Gamow-Teller strength, Bd(GT) distributions have been studied via large-scale shell-model calculations using the pi nu(g, d, s) model space to compare with the experimental B(GT) value obtained from the half-life of the isomer.
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12. |
- Söderström, Pär-Anders, 1980-
(author)
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Collective Structure of Neutron-Rich Rare-Earth Nuclei and Development of Instrumentation for Gamma-Ray Spectroscopy
- 2011
-
Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Neutron-rich rare-earth nuclei are among the most collective nuclei that can be found in nature. In particular, the doubly mid-shell nucleus 170Dy is expected to be the nucleus where the collective structure is maximized. This has implications for the astrophysical r-process, since it has been suggested that the collectivity maximum plays an important role in the abundances of the rare-earth elements that are created in supernova explosions. In this work, the collective structure of the five nuclei 168,170Dy and 167,168,169Ho are studied and different theoretical models are used to interpret the evolution of collectivity around the mid-shell. In order to produce and study even more neutron-rich nuclei in this mass region, new radioactive ion beam facilities will be a valuable tool. These facilities, however, require advanced instruments to study the weak signals of exotic nuclei in a high background environment. Two of these instruments are the γ-ray tracking spectrometer AGATA and the neutron detector array NEDA. For AGATA to work satisfactorily, the interaction position of the gamma rays must be determined with an accuracy of at least five millimetres. The position resolution is measured in this work using a model independent method based on the Doppler correction capabilities of the detector at two different distances between the detector and the source. For NEDA, one of the critical parameters is its ability to discriminate between neutrons and γ rays. By using digital electronics it is possible to employ advanced and efficient algorithms for pulse-shape discrimination. In this work, digital versions of the common analogue methods are shownto give as good, or better, results compared to the ones obtained using analogue electronics. Another method which effectively distinguishes between neutrons and γ rays is based on artificial neural networks. This method is also investigated in this work and is shown to yield even better results.
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13. |
- Söderström, Pär-Anders, et al.
(author)
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Interaction position resolution simulations and in-beam measurements of the AGATA HPGe detectors
- 2011
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In: Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A. - : Elsevier BV. - 0168-9002 .- 1872-9576. ; 638:1, s. 96-109
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The interaction position resolution of the segmented HPGe detectors of an AGATA triple cluster detector has been studied through Monte Carlo simulations and in an in-beam experiment. A new method based on measuring the energy resolution of Doppler-corrected γ-ray spectra at two different target to detector distances is described. This gives the two-dimensional position resolution in the plane perpendicular to the direction of the emitted γ-ray. The γ-ray tracking was used to determine the full energy of the γ-rays and the first interaction point, which is needed for the Doppler correction. Five different heavy-ion induced fusion-evaporation reactions and a reference reaction were selected for the simulations. The results of the simulations show that the method works very well and gives a systematic deviation of in the FWHM of the interaction position resolution for the γ-ray energy range from 60 keV to 5 MeV. The method was tested with real data from an in-beam measurement using a 30Si beam at 64 MeV on a thin 12C target. Pulse-shape analysis of the digitized detector waveforms and γ-ray tracking was performed to determine the position of the first interaction point, which was used for the Doppler corrections. Results of the dependency of the interaction position resolution on the γ-ray energy and on the energy, axial location and type of the first interaction point, are presented. The FWHM of the interaction position resolution varies roughly linearly as a function of γ-ray energy from 8.5 mm at 250 keV to 4 mm at 1.5 MeV, and has an approximately constant value of about 4 mm in the γ-ray energy range from 1.5 to 4 MeV.
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14. |
- Zheng, Y., et al.
(author)
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gamma-ray linear polarization measurements and (g(9/2))(-3) neutron alignment in Ru-91
- 2013
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In: Physical Review C. Nuclear Physics. - : American Physical Society (APS). - 0556-2813 .- 1089-490X. ; 87:4, s. 044328-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Linear polarization measurements have been performed for gamma rays in Ru-91 produced with the Ni-58(Ar-36,2p1n gamma)Ru-91 reaction at a beam energy of 111 MeV. The EXOGAM Ge clover array has been used to measure the gamma-gamma coincidences, gamma-ray linear polarization, and gamma-ray angular distributions. The polarization sensitivity of the EXOGAM clover detectors acting as Compton polarimeters has been determined in the energy range 0.3-1.3 MeV. Several transitions have been observed for the first time. Measurements of linear polarization and angular distribution have led to the firm assignments of spin differences and parity of high-spin states in Ru-91. More specifically, calculations using a semiempirical shell model were performed to understand the structures of the first and second (21/2(+)) and (17/2(+)) levels. The results are in good agreement with the experimental data, supporting the interpretation of the nonyrast (21/2(+)) and (17/2(+)) states in terms of the J(max) and J(max) - 2 members of the seniority-three nu(g(9/2))(-3) multiplet.
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