Fusion-evaporation Reaction Research Articles

Decay of a microsecond seniority 3 isomeric state in Hf155

Excited states in the neutron-deficient nuclide Hf155 have been investigated in experiments performed at the Accelerator Laboratory of the University of Jyväskylä. The Hf155 nuclei were produced in fusion-evaporation reactions induced by beams of 295 and 315 MeV Ni58 ions bombarding an isotopically enriched Pd102 target and separated using the recoil mass separator MARA. An isomeric state having a half-life of 510(30) ns was discovered and is interpreted as a seniority υ=3, (πh11/22⊗νf7/2)27/2− configuration. The γ-ray transitions emitted in the deexcitation of the isomeric state to the ground state were identified and a level scheme was constructed, from which the excitation energy of the isomer was determined to be 2581.5(10) keV. A B(E2) value of 0.45(3) W.u. was deduced for the 105.4 keV transition depopulating the isomeric state. The deduced level scheme and B(E2) value are compared with systematics and shell-model calculations. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Search for the γ decay of the narrow near-threshold proton resonance in 11B

The γ decay of the elusive narrow, near-threshold proton resonance in 11B was investigated at Laboratori Nazionali di Legnaro (INFN) in a particle-γ coincidence experiment, using the 6Li(6Li,pγ) fusion-evaporation reaction and the GALILEO-GALTRACE setup. No clear signature was found for a possible E1 decay to the 1/21−, first-excited state of 11B, predicted by the Shell Model Embedded in the Continuum (SMEC) with a branching of 0.98−69+167×10−3 with respect to the dominant particle-decaying modes. The statistical analysis of the γ-ray spectrum provided an average upper limit of 2.37×10−3 for this γ-ray branching, with a global significance of 5σ. On the other hand, by imposing a global confidence level of 3σ, a significant excess of counts was observed for E=γ9300(20) keV, corresponding to a resonance energy of 11429(20) keV (namely 200(20) keV above the proton separation energy of 11B) and a γ-ray branching of 1.12(35)×10−3. This result is compatible with the SMEC calculations, potentially supporting the existence of a near-threshold proton resonance in 11B.

Electromagnetic transition rates in the nucleus 136 58Ce

The half-life of the first 6+ state in 136Ce has been measured as T 1/2 = 41(12) ps using the γ-ray fast-timing technique with the ν-ball spectrometer at the ALTO Tandem Accelerator, Orsay, France. The states of interest in 136Ce have been populated via the 128Te(12C,4nγ) fusion-evaporation reaction. A comparison is made between the value obtained for the reduced transition probability B(E2;61+→41+) = 0.55(21) W.u. and the systematics of the region. In this work, half-lives for the 51− , 71− and 62+ states in 136Ce were also determined.

Probing deformed nuclei: Experimental insights into excited states of 152,153,154Gd isotopes through fusion-evaporation reactions

The rare-earth region has been the focus of various studies aiming at the understanding of nuclear structure and providing information on the details of the reaction mechanism. The Gd isotopes belong to this group of nuclei and despite the available spectroscopic information, several open questions about their structure still exist, such as the inter-band transitions related to shape evolution or branching-ratios in deformed states. In addition, production cross sections of different reactions to Gd isotopes are largely unknown.In this work, we report on an experimental attempt to populate the excited states in the isotopes 152,153,154Gd by employing the heavy-ion fusion reaction 18O+138Ba → 156-xGd + xn in the 58-64 MeV energy range (center-of-mass). The experiment was conducted at the 9 MV FV Pelletron Tandem at the Horia Hulubei National Institute for Physics and Nuclear Engineering, employing the ROSPHERE array. Several branching-ratios for energy levels in 152,153Gd have been measured, offering new and updated values. Furthermore, relative cross sections regarding the fusion-evaporation reactions 138Ba(18O, 4n)152Gd, 138Ba(18O, 3n)153Gd, and 138Ba(18O, 2n)154Gd have been measured and compared with theoretical calculations with PACE4.

Discovery of New Isotopes ^{160}Os and ^{156}W: Revealing Enhanced Stability of the N=82 Shell Closure on the Neutron-Deficient Side.

Using the fusion-evaporation reaction ^{106}Cd(^{58}Ni,4n)^{160}Os and the gas-filled recoil separator SHANS, two new isotopes _{76}^{160}Os and _{74}^{156}W have been identified. The α decay of ^{160}Os, measured with an α-particle energy of 7080(26)keV and a half-life of 201_{-37}^{+58} μs, is assigned to originate from the ground state. The daughter nucleus ^{156}W is a β^{+} emitter with a half-life of 291_{-61}^{+86} ms. The newly measured α-decay data allow us to derive α-decay reduced widths (δ^{2}) for the N=84 isotones up to osmium (Z=76), which are found to decrease with increasing atomic number above Z=68. The reduction of δ^{2} is interpreted as evidence for the strengthening of the N=82 shell closure toward the proton drip line, supported by the increase of the neutron-shell gaps predicted in theoretical models.

Level structures of 96Tc and their microscopic description

High spin states in the 96Tc nucleus were populated in the 75As(28Si, 4p3n) fusion-evaporation reaction at E lab = 120 MeV and the de-excitations were investigated through in-beam γ-ray spectroscopic techniques using indian national gamma array spectrometer consisting of 18 clover Ge detectors. The present level scheme of the 96Tc nucleus has been extended substantially with the addition of about forty five new γ transitions. The level structures in 96Tc have been established up to excitation energy ∼10 MeV and angular momentum ∼25ℏ. Level structures of 96Tc nucleus are discussed in the framework of triaxial projected shell model calculations.

Generation of fusion and fusion-evaporation reaction cross-sections by two-step machine learning methods

In order to obtain cross-sections of heavy-ion fusion and fusion-evaporation reactions, artificial neural networks, cubist, random forest, support vector regression, extreme gradient boosting, and multiple linear regression machine learning approaches were used separately in this study. The outcomes from these different methods that are obtained from the training carried out with the existing experimental data in the literature were compared. Furthermore, it has been observed that a two-step process yielded better results for determining the heavy-ion reaction cross-sections, after first estimating which approach would be better for which reaction. In this manner, the method for which the cross-section needs to be calculated is determined by the machine learning classification application, and predictions can be made using the machine learning regression application with the determined method. It has been concluded that the obtained results are in harmony with the experimental data and that the methods can be used safely. The obtained results are published on a web page that allows for online calculation of heavy-ion fusion and fusion-evaporation reaction cross-sections.

Octupole correlations in the N = Z + 2 = 56 110Xe nucleus

This letter reports on the first observation of an octupole band in the neutron-deficient (N=Z+2) nucleus 110Xe. The 110Xe nuclei were produced via the 54Fe(58Ni,2n) fusion-evaporation reaction. The emitted γ rays were detected using the jurogam 3γ-ray spectrometer, while the fusion-evaporation residues were separated with the MARA separator at the Accelerator Laboratory of the University of Jyväskylä, Finland. The experimental observation of the low-lying 3− and 5− states and inter-band E1 transitions between the ground-state band and the octupole band proves the importance of octupole correlations in this region. These new experimental data combined with theoretical calculations using the symmetry-conserving configuration-mixing method, based on a Gogny energy density functional, have been interpreted as an evidence of enhanced octupole correlations in neutron-deficient xenon isotopes.

Decay spectroscopy at the two-proton drip line: Radioactivity of the new nuclides 160Os and 156W

The radioactivity of 76160Os84 and 74156W82 that lie at the two-proton drip line has been measured in an experiment performed at the Accelerator Laboratory of the University of Jyväskylä. The 160Os nuclei were produced using fusion-evaporation reactions induced by a beam of 310 MeV 58Ni ions bombarding a 106Cd target. The 160Os ions were separated in flight using the recoil separator MARA and implanted into a double-sided silicon strip detector, which was used to measure their decays. The α decays of the ground state of 160Os (Eα = 7092(15) keV, t1/2 = 97−32+97 μs) and its isomeric state (Eα = 8890(10) keV, t1/2 = 41−9+15 μs) were measured, allowing the excitation energy of the isomer to be determined as 1844(18) keV. These α-decay properties and the excitation energy of the isomer are compared with systematics. The α decays were correlated with subsequent decays to investigate the β decays of the ground state of 156W, revealing that unlike its isotones, both low-lying isomers were populated in its daughter nuclide, 156Ta. An improved value for the half-life of the proton-decaying high-spin isomeric state in 73156Ta83 of 333−22+25 ms was obtained in a separate experiment using the same experimental systems with a 102Pd target. This result was employed to improve the precision of the half-life determined for 156W, which was measured as 157−34+57 ms.

A Radio-Frequency Ion Trap System for the Multi-Reflection Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer at SHANS and Its Offline Commissioning

To precisely measure atomic masses and select neutron-deficient isotopes produced by fusion evaporation reactions, an MRTOF-MS (multi-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrometer) at the SHANS (Spectrometer for Heavy Atom and Nuclear Structure) is being developed. One of the key parts, an RF ion trap system with the aim to provide brilliant ion pulses with a low energy spread and narrow pulse width for ion preparation prior to injection into the MRTOF mass analyzer, has been constructed and commissioned offline successfully. The principle, construction details and test results are reported. Pulsed beams of 39K1+, 85,87Rb1+ and 133Cs1+ ions have been tested and the amplitudes and frequencies of the RF signals, DC voltages, helium gas pressure and time parameters have been scanned. The corresponding time spreads have reached 0.252 µs, 0.394 µs and 0.450 µs, respectively.

Isospin symmetry in the T = 1,A = 62 triplet

Excited states in the Tz=0,−1 nuclei 62Ga and 62Ge were populated in direct reactions of relativistic radioactive ion beams at the RIBF. Coincident γ rays were measured with the DALI2+ array and uniquely assigned to the A=62 isobars. In addition, 62Ge was also studied independently at JYFL-ACCLAB using the 24Mg(40Ca,2n)62Ge fusion-evaporation reaction. The first excited T=1,Jπ=2+ states in 62Ga and 62Ge were identified at 979(1) and 965(1) keV, respectively, resolving discrepant interpretations in the literature. States beyond the first 2+ state in 62Ge were also identified for the first time in the present work. The results are compared with shell-model calculations in the fp model space. Mirror and triplet energy differences are analyzed in terms of individual charge-symmetry and charge-independence breaking contributions. The MED results confirm the shrinkage of the p-orbits' radii when they are occupied by at least one nucleon on average.

Multi-Reflection Time-of-Flight Mass Spectroscopy for Superheavy Nuclides

The atomic masses of isotopes of elements beyond fermium, which can presently only be produced online via fusion-evaporation reactions, have until recently been determined only from α decay chains reaching nuclides with known atomic masses. Especially in the case of lower-yield nuclides, for which the sufficiently detailed nuclear spectroscopy required to fully determine the nuclear structure is not possible, such indirect mass determinations may suffer systematic errors. For many superheavy nuclides, their decay chains end in spontaneous fission or in β-decay prior to reaching nuclides of known mass. To address this dearth of accurate atomic masses, we have developed a multi-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrograph that can make use of decay-correlations to accurately and precisely determine atomic masses for the very low-yield superheavy nuclides.

Evaporation residue cross sections of superheavy nuclei based on optimized nuclear data* *Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (12175170, 11675066)

This study proposes an optimized method for estimating atomic nucleus masses by combining the finite-range droplet model (FRDM) with the support vector machine algorithm. The optimization process significantly improves the accuracy of the FRDM by reducing the root mean square error from 0.606 to 0.253 MeV. The optimized mass data obtained from this method are then used to calculate the evaporation residue cross-sections (ERCSs) for fusion-evaporation reactions, employing the di-nuclear system model. The experimental results for the 48Ca+238U reaction are relatively well reproduced using these optimized mass data. Additionally, the study investigates the impact of mass uncertainties on fusion and survival probabilities. By considering the mass uncertainties, the ERCSs for new elements 119 and 120 are predicted based on the obtained optimized mass data.

Search for Weak Side Branches in the Electromagnetic Decay Paths of the 6526-keV 10+ Isomer in 54Fe

High-spin nuclear isomers in N≈Z nuclei between doubly magic 40Ca and 56Ni provide an excellent testing ground for the nuclear shell model and questions related to isospin symmetry breaking in the vicinity of the proton drip line. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the possibility of weak electromagnetic decay branches along the decay paths of the 6526-keV 10+ isomer in 54Fe. The isomer was strongly populated by means of the fusion-evaporation reaction 24Mg(36Ar,α2p)54mFe. The Gammasphere array was used to detect γ-ray cascades emitted from the isomeric state. By means of γγγ coincidences, weak non-yrast decay branches can be discriminated, with the isomer’s half-life confirmed at T1/2=363(4) ns. The yrast 61+→21+ E4 cross-over transition was interrogated. The observations are compared with shell-model calculations.

AGATA: nuclear structure advancements with fusion-evaporation reactions

Nuclear-structure studies using fusion reactions are reviewed in terms of prospects for advancement using the next generation of gamma -ray tracking arrays such as AGATA. Properties discussed include those of light N=Z nuclei and rotational behaviour in heavy nuclei at high values of angular momentum and internal excitation energy.

Properties of the new α -decaying isotope At190

The $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ decay of a new isotope $^{190}\mathrm{At}$ has been studied via the $^{109}\mathrm{Ag}(^{84}\mathrm{Sr},3\mathrm{n})^{190}\mathrm{At}$ fusion-evaporation reaction by employing a gas-filled recoil separator. An $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-particle energy of 7750(20) keV and a half-life of $1.{0}_{\ensuremath{-}0.4}^{+1.4}$ ms were measured. The measured decay properties correspond to an unhindered $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ decay, suggesting the same spin and parity of (${10}^{\ensuremath{-}}$) as those of the final state of the decay. The systematics of the nearby nuclei and the predictions of selected atomic mass models were compared with the measured decay properties.

Experimental study of the S38 excited level scheme

Information on the $^{38}\mathrm{S}$ level scheme was expanded through experimental work utilizing a fusion-evaporation reaction and in-beam $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray spectroscopy. Prompt $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray transitions were detected by the Gamma-Ray Energy Tracking Array (GRETINA) and recoiling $^{38}\mathrm{S}$ residues were selected by the Fragment Mass Analyzer (FMA). Tools based on machine-learning techniques were developed and deployed for the first time in order to enhance the unique selection of $^{38}\mathrm{S}$ residues and identify any associated $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray transitions. The new level information, including the extension of the even-spin yrast sequence through ${J}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}={8}^{(+)}$, was interpreted in terms of a basic single-particle picture as well shell-model calculations which incorporated the empirically derived FSU interaction. A comparison between the properties of the yrast states in the even-$Z, N=22$ isotones from $Z=14$ to 20, and for $^{36}\mathrm{Si}--^{38}\mathrm{S}$ in particular, was also presented with an emphasis on the role and influence of the neutron $1{p}_{3/2}$ orbital on the structure in the region.

Incipient reflection asymmetry in 127Xe

Excited states in 126,127,128Xe were populated via 122Sn(9Be, xnγ) fusion-evaporation reaction at a beam energy of 48 MeV. A positive parity rotational-like sequence of ΔI=2γ-transitions, which is found to decay into the negative parity band via E1 transitions, is observed above Iπ=19/2+ state at 2307 keV in 127Xe. Such enhanced E1 γ-transitions are also observed between the antimagnetic rotational (AMR) and longitudinal wobbling (LW) bands in this nucleus. These indicate the presence of simplex symmetry with s=±i excitation in 127Xe.

Three-quasineutron γ-band in 127Xe

Structures of negative parity multi-quasiparticle states in 127Xe have been investigated through in-beam γ-ray spectroscopy. Excited states were populated via the 122Sn(9Be, 4nγ)127Xe fusion-evaporation reaction at E beam = 48 MeV. Two new negative parity bands have been identified and their structures have been discussed using the triaxial projected shell model (TPSM) approach. One of the bands is established above the I π = 27/2− state at 3702 keV and based on the experimental inferences and TPSM results, this band is interpreted as a γ-band built on a three-quasineutron configuration. The second sequence, found above I π = 31/2− state at 4848 keV, is proposed to have a two-proton aligned configuration (), considering the properties of this band with the neighbouring isotopes. The analysis of the TPSM wave function substantiates the proposed interpretation of this band.

Opportunities and limitations of in-gas-cell laser spectroscopy of the heaviest elements with RADRIS

The radiation detection resonance ionization spectroscopy (RADRIS) technique enables laser spectroscopic investigations of the heaviest elements which are produced in atom-at-a-time quantities from fusion-evaporation reactions. To achieve a high efficiency, laser spectroscopy is performed in a buffer-gas environment used to thermalize and stop the high-energy evaporation residues behind the velocity filter SHIP. The required cyclic measurement procedure in combination with the applied filament collection for neutralization as well as confinement of the stopped ions and subsequent pulse-heat desorption constrains the applicability of the technique. Here, some of these limitations and also opportunities that arise from this unique measurement setup will be evaluated.