Experimental determination of one- and two-neutron separation energies for neutron-rich copper isotopes**Supported by Program for Science and Technology Innovation Talents at Universities of Henan Province (13HASTIT046), Natural and Science Foundation in Henan Province (162300410179), Program for the Excellent Youth at Henan Normal University (154100510007) and Y-D Song thanks the support from the Creative Experimental Project of National Undergraduate Students (CEPNU

Abstract

A method is proposed to determine the one-neutron Sn or two-neutron S2n separation energy of neutron-rich isotopes. Relationships between Sn (S2n) and isotopic cross sections have been deduced from an empirical formula, i.e., the cross section of an isotope exponentially depends on the average binding energy per nucleon B/A. The proposed relationships have been verified using the neutron-rich copper isotopes measured in the 64A MeV 86Kr + 9Be reaction. Sn, S2n, and B/A for the very neutron-rich 77,78,79Cu isotopes are determined from the proposed correlations. It is also proposed that the correlations between Sn, S2n and isotopic cross sections can be used to find the location of neutron drip line isotopes.