Neutron-rich rare isotope production in the Fermi energy domain and application to the Texas A&M radioactive beam upgrade

Abstract

The production and separation of neutron-rich rare isotope beams in peripheral collisions around the Fermi energy is described in the present work. The experiments were performed at the Cyclotron Institute of Texas A&M University employing beams from the K500 Superconducting Cyclotron. Two magnetic separators were used: the MARS recoil separator and the Superconducting Solenoid Line (BigSol Line). Enhanced production cross sections of neutron-rich nuclides in comparison with high-energy fragmentation mechanisms were observed and attributed to the role of the N/Z and the nuclear periphery of the target. From a practical viewpoint, these reactions below or around the Fermi energy offer a promising way to access very neutron-rich rare isotopes. The experience obtained in the production of rare isotope beams (RIB) in this energy range will be applied in the ongoing RIB upgrade of the Cyclotron Institute that will involve production, stopping and re-acceleration of rare isotopes.