Fusion-evaporation Reaction Research Articles

Measurement of fusion-evaporation cross sections for reactions of Ca44 with Gd154,156,157,160 targets

Background: Previously reported fusion-evaporation cross sections of residues in $^{45}\mathrm{Sc}$-induced reactions with lanthanide targets are much smaller than $^{48}\mathrm{Ca}$-induced reactions on the same targets. $^{44}\mathrm{Ca}$ is one proton removed from $^{45}\mathrm{Sc}$ and could be used to produce nuclei with a relative neutron content between those produced in the $^{45}\text{Sc-}$ and $^{48}\mathrm{Ca}$-induced reactions.Purpose: Several experiments worldwide have attempted to discover elements beyond the currently heaviest known element, oganesson ($Z=118$). Due to a lack of appropriate targets, these efforts focused on projectiles other than $^{48}\mathrm{Ca}$, which has been widely used for a number of successful element discovery experiments. The present study continues our previous work to understand the influence of various projectiles on the compound nucleus in fusion-evaporation reactions, and addresses the influence of target neutron number on fusion-evaporation cross sections.Methods: In experiments performed at the Cyclotron Institute at Texas A University, a beam of $^{44}\mathrm{Ca}^{6+}$ with an energy of $\ensuremath{\approx}5\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{MeV}/u$ was delivered by the K500 superconducting cyclotron to the Momentum Achromat Recoil Spectrometer (MARS). The $^{44}\mathrm{Ca}$ projectiles bombarded various isotopically enriched Gd targets in the MARS target chamber to create evaporation residues, which were spatially separated from unreacted projectiles by MARS and identified via their characteristic $\ensuremath{\alpha}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{decay}$ energies. Excitation functions for the reactions of $^{44}\mathrm{Ca}$ with $^{154,156,157,160}\mathrm{Gd}$ were measured at several projectile energies each.Results: The maximum $4n$ cross sections in the $^{44}\mathrm{Ca}{+}^{154,156,157,160}\mathrm{Gd}$ reactions were $0.038\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.008, 0.83\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.08, 3.8\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2$, and $3.0\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.5$ mb, respectively. Production cross sections for the more neutron-rich targets were surprisingly constant even given the substantial changes in the difference in neutron binding energy and fission barrier of the compound nuclei.Conclusions: Collective enhancements to level density caused a reduction in compound nucleus survivability for all targets. While this effect was required to obtain good agreement between theoretical calculations and experimental data, it was not sufficient to explain the cross sections for the reaction with the most neutron-deficient target studied $(^{154}\mathrm{Gd})$. Instead, it appears that the difference in the fission barrier and neutron binding energy is the dominant factor affecting the survival of the compound nucleus in this case.

Observation of the proton emitter {}_{,57}^{116}La59

The quantum tunneling and emission of a single constituent nucleon provide a beautifully simple and unique window into the complex properties of atomic nuclei at the extreme edge of nuclear existence. In particular, for odd-odd proton emitting nuclides, the associated decay energy and partial half-life can be used to probe the correlations between the valence neutrons and protons which have been theoretically predicted to favour a new type of nuclear superfluidity, isoscalar neutron-proton pairing, for which the experimental “smoking gun" remains elusive. In the present work, proton emission from the lanthanum isotope {}_{,57}^{116}La59, 23 neutrons away from the only stable isotope {}_{,57}^{139}La82, is reported. 116La nuclei were synthesised in the fusion-evaporation reaction 58Ni(64Zn, p5n)116La and identified via their proton radioactivity using the mass spectrometer MARA (Mass Analysing Recoil Apparatus) and the silicon detectors placed at its focal plane. Comparisons of the measured proton energy (Ep = 718 ± 9 keV) and half-life (T1/2 = 50 ± 22 ms) with values calculated using the Universal Decay Law approach indicate that the proton is emitted with an orbital angular momentum l = 2 and that its emission probability is enhanced relative to its closest, less exotic, odd-even lanthanum isotope ({}_{,57}^{117}La60) while the proton-emission Q-value is lower. We propose this to be a possible signature for the presence of strong neutron-proton pair correlations in this exotic, neutron deficient system. The observations of γ decays from isomeric states in 116La and 117La are also reported.

Rotational sequences in N=98 Tm167 populated in the Dy164(Li7,4nγ)Tm167 fusion-evaporation reaction

High spin states in $_{69}^{167}\mathrm{Tm}_{98}$ were studied using the $^{164}\mathrm{Dy}(^{7}\mathrm{Li},4n\ensuremath{\gamma})^{167}\mathrm{Tm}$ fusion-evaporation reaction. The XTU Tandem accelerator at the INFN Legnaro National Laboratory was used to accelerate a beam of $^{7}\mathrm{Li}$ ions to 55 MeV, and $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays from the evaporation residues were studied using the GASP Ge multidetector $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray array. The present data have allowed the $1/{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}[541]$ yrast sequence of $^{167}\mathrm{Tm}$ to be established to spin $61/{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, the $1/{2}^{+}[411]$ ground-state band to be extended to $(51/{2}^{+})$, and the $7/{2}^{+}[404]$ and $7/{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}[523]$ rotational sequences to be extended to spins $(43/{2}^{+})$ and $(39/{2}^{\ensuremath{-}})$, respectively. The experimental data have been compared with the results of cranked shell-model calculations; for the above decay sequences, crossing frequencies are in agreement with those of the neighboring even-even isotones, within experimental errors, and there is no evidence of a configuration-dependence of band crossing frequencies. Experimental $B(M1)/B(E2)$ values were extracted and compared with the results of theoretical calculations which are based on a semiclassical cranking model. Finally, the experimental high-spin decay sequences have been compared with the results of projected shell-model (PSM) calculations; agreement between experiment and theory is excellent over the complete range of spins. The calculated energy levels of the one-quasiparticle bands in $^{167}\mathrm{Tm}$ depend sensitively on the deformation parameters used in the PSM calculation.

Single-particle configurations of the excited states of Po203

Excited states of the $^{203}$Po ($Z = 84, N = 119$) have been investigated after populating them through $^{194}$Pt($^{13}$C,4n) fusion-evaporation reaction at E$_{beam}$ = 74 MeV and using a large array of Compton suppressed HPGe clover detectors as the detection setup for the emitted $\gamma$-rays. Standard techniques of $\gamma$-ray spectroscopy have been applied towards establishing the level structure of the nucleus. Twenty new $\gamma$-ray transitions have been identified therein, through $\gamma-\gamma$ coincidence measurements, and spin-parity assignments of several states have been determined or confirmed, following the angular correlation and linear polarization measurements on the observed $\gamma$-rays. The excited states have been interpreted in the framework of large basis shell model calculations, while comparing their calculated and experimental energies. They have been principally ascribed to proton population in the $h_{9/2}$ and $i_{13/2}$ orbitals outside the $Z = 82$ closure and neutron occupation of the $f_{5/2}$, $p_{3/2}$ and $i_{13/2}$ orbitals in the $N = 126$ shell.

Evidence for prolate-oblate shape coexistence in the odd- ABr383573 nucleus

The excited states in $^{73}\mathrm{Br}$ nucleus have been investigated through the fusion evaporation reaction $^{50}\mathrm{Cr}(^{28}\mathrm{Si}$, $\ensuremath{\alpha}p)^{73}\mathrm{Br}$ at a beam energy of 90 MeV using the Indian National Gamma Array. The $\ensuremath{\gamma}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ coincidence technique has been used to add eight new $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray transitions in the level scheme. The mixing ratio of $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}I=0$ (mixed with $E2$ and $M1$) transitions have been determined using angular distribution and ${R}_{\mathrm{DCO}}$-polarization measurement. The half-life of the ${9/2}^{+}$ isomeric state has been measured to be ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{1/2}=52(2)$ ns from the variation in the intensity of delayed $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray transition as a function of coincidence time window. The two state mixing model calculations were performed to obtain the mixing amplitude, and mixing interaction of two different configurations of $^{73}\mathrm{Br}$. The calculated mixing amplitudes along with the deformations of two different configurations provide the monopole transition strength ${\ensuremath{\rho}}^{2}(E0)$ for Se, Br, and Kr isotopes in a semiempirical approach. These results support a prolate-oblate shape coexistence in the odd-$A\phantom{\rule{4pt}{0ex}}^{73}\mathrm{Br}$ nucleus. The observed structural properties have been discussed in terms of projected shell model calculations.

α decay of the new isotope 204Ac

A new proton-unbound isotope 204Ac was produced in the fusion-evaporation reaction Tm(40169Ca,5n)204Ac and identified via the recoil-α correlation at the gas-filled recoiled separators SHANS2 and SHANS. The excitation function for producing 204Ac was measured and the optimal beam energy was evaluated to be 212 MeV. Nineteen ER - α1 - α2 - α3 decay chains were observed for this isotope. Based on these chains, the α-particle energy and half-life of 204Ac were determined to be 7948(15) keV and 7.4−1.4+2.2 ms, respectively. Both are consistent with the theoretical prediction. The reduced α-decay width was deduced to be 49−15+10 keV, which indicates a favored α decay for 204Ac. In addition, more precise decay properties of Eα = 7883(15) keV and T1/2 = 7.7−1.6+2.7 ms were obtained for 205Ac.

Level structure of the double-shell closure system with Z = 14 and N = 20: 34Si* *Supported by the Institute for Basic Science Korea (IBS-R031-D1), Guangdong Major Project of Basic and Applied Basic Research (2021B0301030006), and computational resources from Sun Yat-sen University

The level structure of the double-magic nucleus 34Si (Z = 14, N = 20) was investigated by evaluating the available data. On the basis of experimental results from the beta-decay and fusion-evaporation reactions, we established the level scheme by assigning spin-parities up to 61 + at 6233 keV. The high energy positions of the excited states are consistent with the magicity at 34Si, such as the 22 + state of the spherical ground band at 4.519 MeV and the 3-, 4-, and 5- states of the one-particle one-hole cross-shell states at approximately 4.5 MeV. This nucleus, for a long time, has attracted much attention because of, on one side, a proton bubble structure in the ground state and, on the other side, a deformation in the second 0+ state, 02 +. By a comparison of the constructed level scheme with the shell model calculations, we describe the emerging structures in the ground and second 0+ states and the negative-parity 3- states within the framework of the shell model context. We propose a deformed rotational band with the cascading 62 + − 41 + − 21 + transitions built on the 02 + state.

Evidence for spherical-oblate shape coexistence in Tc87

Excited states in the neutron-deficient nucleus Tc87 have been studied via the fusion-evaporation reaction Fe54(Ar36,2n1p)Tc87 at 115 MeV beam energy. The AGATA γ-ray spectrometer coupled to the DIAMANT, NEDA, and Neutron Wall detector arrays for light-particle detection was used to measure the prompt coincidence of γ rays and light particles. Six transitions from the deexcitation of excited states belonging to a new band in Tc87 were identified by comparing γ-ray intensities in the spectra gated under different reaction channel selection conditions. The constructed level structure was compared with the shell model and total Routhian surface calculations. The results indicate that the new band structure in Tc87 is built on a spherical configuration, which is different from that assigned to the previously identified oblate yrast rotational band.1 MoreReceived 10 September 2021Revised 24 January 2022Accepted 23 March 2022DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.106.034304Published by the American Physical Society under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license. Further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the published article's title, journal citation, and DOI. Funded by Bibsam.Published by the American Physical SocietyPhysics Subject Headings (PhySH)Research AreasElectromagnetic transitionsLow & intermediate energy heavy-ion reactionsNuclear structure & decaysNucleon distributionTransfer reactionsProperties59 ≤ A ≤ 89Nuclear Physics

Timing characteristics of the R13089-100 photomultiplier tube coupled with 1.5" × 1.5" CeBr3 scintillators and its application in lifetime measurements

The fast-timing performance of the Hamamatsu Photomultiplier Tube (PMT) model R13089-100 is investigated using 1.5" × 1.5" CeBr3 scintillators. The time walk was measured using the Mirror-Symmetric Centroid Difference (MSCD) method for various PMT Bias voltages and CFD delays, to optimize the parameters for measurement of the lifetime of nuclear excited states via the γ-γ fast-timing technique. The 152Eu and 133Ba sources were used for investigation on timing characteristics. Lifetimes of 161 and 383 keV states of 133Cs from the decay of 133Ba radioactive source have been determined for different bias voltages of PMT and CFD delays, with two 1.5" × 1.5" CeBr3 detector setup. The lifetime of 1522 keV state of 209Po from the decay of 209At, produced from α induced fusion evaporation reaction, has also been determined. The results reported in the present paper show that the time resolution and time-walk characteristics of the Hamamatsu PMT R13089-100 can be improved in low-energy region using higher PMT bias voltage and shorter CFD delay.

Isomeric state in the odd-odd 68Ga nucleus

The half life of the 7− isomeric state of the odd-odd 68Ga nucleus was measured using a particle-γ delayed coincidence technique. The 68Ga nuclei were produced using the fusion-evaporation reaction 55Mn(16O,2pn)68Ga at 55 MeV incident beam energy. The beam was produced by the 8 MV Pelletron accelerator of the Nuclear Physics Open Laboratory of the University of São Paulo. The half life was measured using the Isomeric State Measurement System (SISMEI). The obtained value was 60.83(25) ns, compatible with previous measurements. The 68Ga excited states were well described with the Large Scale Shell Model using the JUN45 residual interaction.

High-spin states of $$^{204}$$At: isomeric states and shears band structure

High-spin states of neutron-deficient trans-lead nucleus \(^{204}\hbox {At}\) were populated up to \(\sim 8\,\mathrm{MeV}\) excitation through the \(^{12}\hbox {C} + ^{197}\hbox {Au}\) fusion evaporation reaction. Decay of the associated levels through prompt and delayed \(\gamma \)-ray emissions were studied to evaluate the underlying nuclear structure. The level scheme, which was partly known, was extended further. An isomeric \(16^+\) level with observed mean lifetime \(\tau =52 \pm 5\, \mathrm{ns}\), was established from our measurements. Attempts were made to interpret the excited states based on multi quasiparticle and hole structures involving \(2f_{5/2}\), \(1h_{9/2}\), and \(1i_{13/2}\) shell model states, along with moderate core excitation. Magnetic dipole band structure over the spin parity range: \(16^+\)–\(23^+\) was confirmed and evaluated in more detail, including the missing cross-over E2 transitions. Band-crossing along the shears band was observed and compared with the evidence of similar phenomena in the neighbouring \(^{202}\hbox {Bi}\), \(^{205}\hbox {Rn}\) isotones and the \(^{203}\hbox {At}\) isotope. Based on comparison of the measured B(M1)/B(E2) values for transitions along the band with the semiclassical model based estimates, the shears band of \(^{204}\hbox {At}\) was established along with the level scheme.

Lifetime measurements in the tungsten isotopes W176,178,180

Lifetimes of yrast states in the rare-earth midshell isotopes $^{176,178,180}\mathrm{W}$ have been measured with fast-timing methods using the Cologne iron-free Orange spectrometer and the Cologne HORUS spectrometer and with the recoil distance Doppler shift method using the Cologne coincidence plunger setup. Different fusion evaporation reactions have been used to populated excited states in the investigated nuclei. Lifetimes of the ${2}_{1}^{+}$, ${4}_{1}^{+}$, ${6}_{1}^{+}$, and ${8}_{1}^{+}$ yrast states were measured in all three tungsten isotopes and in addition the lifetime of the ${10}_{1}^{+}$ state was measured in $^{176}\mathrm{W}$. Quadrupole deformation parameters, reduced transition probabilities, and ${\text{B}}_{4/2}$ ratios are extracted and discussed in the context of interacting boson model 1 calculations. The results with newly determined signatures largely confirm the investigated tungsten isotopes to be deformed prolate rotors.

Possibilities of synthesizing new proton-rich nuclei with 40 ≤ Z ≤ 60 using multinucleon transfer reactions * *Supported by the ational Natural Science Foundation of China (12175064, U2167203). Hunan Provincial Education Department (Key project 20A290)

Multinucleon transfer reactions near the Coulomb barrier are investigated based on the improved dinuclear system (DNS) model, and the deexcitation process of primary fragments are described using the statistical model GEMINI++. The production cross sections of Ca+ Sn and Ni+ Te based on the DNS model+GEMINI++ are calculated and compared with experimental data. The calculated results reproduce experimental data. The cross sections of fusion-evaporation, fragmentation, and multinucleon transfer reactions in the region are also provided in this paper. The results show that in the region, fusion-evaporation and fragmentation reactions have good results in the relatively proton-rich region, but in the extreme proton-deficient region, the MNT reaction is still promising for synthesizing proton-rich nuclei.

Shape coexistence and possible isomers in 117Sn

Excited states of 117Sn have been populated using the fusion-evaporation reaction 114Cd(7Li, 1p3n) at a beam energy of 48[Formula: see text]MeV. A total of nine new transitions have been identified and added into the level scheme of 117Sn. Based on the systematical comparisons with the neighboring Sn isotopes and the configuration-fixed constrained triaxial relativistic mean-field (RMF) calculations, a collective structure and two isomers are proposed to exist in 117Sn. The phenomenon of shape coexistence has been extended to A = 117 in odd-A Sn isotopes for the first time.

The NEXT Project: Towards Production and Investigation of Neutron-Rich Heavy Nuclides

The heaviest actinide elements are only accessible in accelerator-based experiments on a one-atom-at-a-time level. Usually, fusion–evaporation reactions are applied to reach these elements. However, access to the neutron-rich isotopes is limited. An alternative reaction mechanism to fusion–evaporation is multinucleon transfer, which features higher cross-sections. The main drawback of this technique is the wide angular distribution of the transfer products, which makes it challenging to catch and prepare them for precision measurements. To overcome this obstacle, we are building the NEXT experiment: a solenoid magnet is used to separate the different transfer products and to focus those of interest into a gas-catcher, where they are slowed down. From the gas-catcher, the ions are transferred and bunched by a stacked-ring ion guide into a multi-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrometer (MR-ToF MS). The MR-ToF MS provides isobaric separation and allows for precision mass measurements. In this article, we will give an overview of the NEXT experiment and its perspectives for future actinide research.

Onset of band structure in Ga70

Excited states in odd-odd $^{70}\mathrm{Ga}$ were studied using the $^{62}\mathrm{Ni}(^{14}\mathrm{C},\ensuremath{\alpha}pn)$ fusion-evaporation reaction performed at the John D. Fox Superconducting Accelerator Facility at Florida State University with a beam energy of 50 MeV. The depopulating $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ decays were measured in coincidence using a Compton-suppressed Ge array consisting of three clover detectors and seven single-crystal detectors. An investigation of these coincidences resulted in the addition of 16 new transitions in the $^{70}\mathrm{Ga}$ level scheme, including some which belong to the onset of a new positive-parity band structure likely based on the $\ensuremath{\pi}{g}_{9/2}\ensuremath{\bigotimes}\ensuremath{\nu}{g}_{9/2}$ configuration. Spins and parities were assigned based on directional correlation of oriented nuclei ratios and linear polarization measurements. The excitation energies predicted by shell-model calculations using the JUN45 effective interaction compare favorably with the experimental ones for the positive-parity states, but are generally about 400--500 keV too low for the negative-parity states. Total Routhian surface calculations for the lowest positive-parity configuration with signature $\ensuremath{\alpha}=0$ predict significant triaxiality $(\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\approx}\ensuremath{-}{20}^{\ensuremath{\circ}})$ with competing noncollective excitations developing at a spin $(J=8)$ that corresponds to the onset of the positive-parity band observed experimentally. The calculations for the lowest negative-parity states with $\ensuremath{\alpha}=0$ yielded surfaces that were qualitatively similar.

Potential energy surface and formation of superheavy nuclei with the Skyrme energy-density functional

With the Skyrme energy-density functional theory, the nucleus–nucleus potential is calculated and the potential energy surface is obtained with different effective forces for accurately estimating the formation cross sections of superheavy nuclei in massive fusion reactions. The width and height of the potential pocket are influenced by the Skyrme effective forces SkM, SkM*, SkP, SIII, Ska, and SLy4, which correspond to the different equations of state for the isospin symmetry nuclear matter. It is found that the nucleus–nucleus potential is associated with the collision orientation and Skyrme forces. A more repulsive nuclear potential is pronounced with increasing the incompressible modulus of nuclear matter, which hinders the formation of superheavy nuclei. The available data in the fusion-evaporation reaction of 48Ca+238U are nicely reproduced with the SkM* parameter by implementing the potential into the dinuclear system model.

High Spin Study of 104Ag Nucleus

High spin states in 104Ag were populated via heavy-ion (32S) induced fusion evaporation reaction at a beam energy of 110 MeV. The de-exciting γ-rays were detected by 18 Compton suppressed HPGe clover detectors, placed in different (θ, φ) angles. Spin of several excited states were assigned firmly from the present angular correlation measurement.

Advancing Radiation-Detected Resonance Ionization towards Heavier Elements and More Exotic Nuclides

RAdiation-Detected Resonance Ionization Spectroscopy (RADRIS) is a versatile method for highly sensitive laser spectroscopy studies of the heaviest actinides. Most of these nuclides need to be produced at accelerator facilities in fusion-evaporation reactions and are studied immediately after their production and separation from the primary beam due to their short half-lives and low production rates of only a few atoms per second or less. Only recently, the first laser spectroscopic investigation of nobelium (Z=102) was performed by applying the RADRIS technique in a buffer-gas-filled stopping cell at the GSI in Darmstadt, Germany. To expand this technique to other nobelium isotopes and for the search for atomic levels in the heaviest actinide element, lawrencium (Z=103), the sensitivity of the RADRIS setup needed to be further improved. Therefore, a new movable double-detector setup was developed, which enhances the overall efficiency by approximately 65% compared to the previously used single-detector setup. Further development work was performed to enable the study of longer-lived (t1/2>1 h) and shorter-lived nuclides (t1/2<1 s) with the RADRIS method. With a new rotatable multi-detector design, the long-lived isotope 254Fm (t1/2=3.2 h) becomes within reach for laser spectroscopy. Upcoming experiments will also tackle the short-lived isotope 251No (t1/2=0.8 s) by applying a newly implemented short RADRIS measurement cycle.

Fabrication of [formula omitted]As targets for heavy ion nuclear reactions

Thin uniform targets of 75As isotope with Pb/Au backing layer were fabricated for nuclear structure studies and sub-picosecond lifetime measurements of nuclear excited states using the Doppler shift attenuation method (DSAM) for nuclei populated in the heavy-ion induced fusion-evaporation reactions. The 75As targets of thickness 2.8–4.0 mg/cm2 (4.9–7.0μm) were prepared by in-vacuo sublimation of the As metal powder on to the backing (∼10 mg/cm2) of Pb (9.4μm) or Au (5.2μm), which were prepared by rolling method. The prepared targets were further rolled to improve their uniformity and avoid any interlayer gaps. The amount 75As material required for target preparation could be significantly reduced to ∼80 mg by increasing vapour flux by replacing the open dimpled tantalum boat with the pinhole tubular form. The uniformity, purity and thickness of As and Pb layers in the fabricated targets were assessed using a non-destructive Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) technique set-up. The measured thickness values of As and Pb/Au layers were found to agree within ∼3% with those deduced from the weighing method. The prepared targets have been successfully used with 28Si and 31P ion beams and the in-beam γ-ray spectroscopic studies in excited nuclear states in 98,99Rh, 99,100,101Pd and 102Ag isotopes.