Abstract
High-precision mass measurements of radionuclides with state-of-the-art mass spectrometry allows us to obtain accurate binding energies. These reflect changes in the nuclear structure. Two-nucleon separation energies, for example, are sensitive indicators of shell closures and the onset of deformation. In addition, masses provide a benchmark for theoretical nuclear models and support their improvement with respect to a better predictive power. In the region of the heaviest elements this enables mapping the strength of shell effects and their extension as recently demonstrated for N = 152. Accurate masses can furthermore provide anchor points to fix decay chains in the mass surface. Moreover, advanced ion-manipulation techniques developed in the context of mass spectrometry pave the way for novel types of experiments such as trap-assisted decay spectroscopy of nuclear state-selected samples. This opens new perspectives for a mass number assignment of decay chains originating from yet unknown superheavy nuclides.
Highlights
C The Authors, published by EDP Sciences
On the one hand side the nuclear structure evolution can be tracked by masses and mass differences to identify, for example, shell closures and the onset of deformation
Accurate direct mass measurements provide anchor points in the mass surface to pin down decay chains originating from superheavy nuclides as demonstrated for example for nobelium isotopes [8]
Summary
The high mass resolving power provided by Penning trap techniques is suitable for the separation of unwanted by-products to prepare pure radioactive samples for subsequent experiments such as nuclear decay spectroscopy. These so-called trap-assisted decay spectroscopy experiments have already been performed in lighter nuclides [9] demonstrating that even nuclear state-selected samples can be delivered to a decay spectroscopy setup for certain nuclides [10]. Trap-assisted decay spectroscopy of isotopeselected samples opens new perspectives for an A/Q identification of superheavy nuclides, an application of particular interest for nuclides originating from yet unknown elements
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
