Separation efficiency of the MASHA facility for short-lived mercury isotopes

Abstract

The mass-separator MASHA built to identify Super Heavy Elements by their mass-to-charge ratios is described. The results of the off- and on-line measurements of its separation efficiency are presented. In the former case four calibrated leaks of noble gases were used. In the latter the efficiency was measured via 284 MeV \(^{40}\)Ar beam and with using the hot catcher. The ECR ion source was used in both cases. The \(\alpha \)-radioactive isotopes of mercury produced in the complete fusion reaction \(^{40}\)Ar+\(^{144}\)Sm\(\rightarrow ^{184-xn}\)Hg+xn were detected at the mass-separator focal plane. The half-lives and the separation efficiency for the short-lived mercury isotopes were measured. Potentialities of the MEDIPIX detector system have been demonstrated for future use at the mass-separator MASHA.