Levels and transitions in124Te following thermal-neutron capture by123Te and the beta decay of oriented124Sb

Abstract

Levels and gamma -ray transitions in 124Te have been studied using the techniques of directional correlation and nuclear orientation. Directional correlation measurements were performed on the gamma -rays observed following thermal-neutron capture by 123Te and the selection of several coincidence gates has allowed a comprehensive level scheme to be produced. The spins of 15 levels have been proposed from the directional correlation results and multiple mixing ratios have been extracted for 8 of the most intense transitions. Directional distribution measurements have been performed on the gamma radiation observed following the beta decay of oriented 124Sb. The orientation was obtained by diffusing the antimony into iron and cooling to 6.5 mK. The observed anisotropies in the gamma -radiation patterns have allowed 3 spin assignments to be made and 14 multipole mixing ratios to be extracted. The levels in 124Te are discussed in terms of the simple vibrational phonon and interacting boson models. It is shown that 124Te is a new example of O(6) nuclear symmetry within the boson model.