Recoil-distance Method Research Articles

Investigating the intruder states of 83Se via lifetime measurements

Quadrupole interaction involving protons and neutrons drives the nucleus into deformed configurations at low excitation energies. Intruder states appear in N=49 isotones, reaching a minimum at around 500 keV in 83Se. Since 83Se is in the mid of the proton shell (Z=28-40), it is a good candidate to study the properties of particle-hole intruder states lowered in energy by large quadrupole correlations. Moreover, it will also allow one to estimate the degree of N=50 core breaking in the ground state of Se isotopes. The lifetime of the 540-keV 1/2+ state and 1100-keV 3/2+ state of 83Se were measured using the Recoil Distance Method and the Doppler Shift Attenuation Method respectively. A beam of 82Se, with intensity 0.02 pnA, accelerated to 270 MeV from the Tandem accelerator at LNL-INFN, was sent into a deuterated polyethylene foil (C2D4), evaporated on a 6 mg/cm2 gold layer. The GALILEO γ-array was coupled to the SPIDER silicon array, allowing one to obtain the needed channel selectivity through particle-γ coincidence measurements.

Lifetime measurements of N≃20 phosphorus isotopes using the AGATA γ -ray tracking spectrometer

Lifetimes of excited states of the phosphorus isotopes 1533,34,35,36P have been measured by using the differential recoil-distance method. The isotopes of phosphorus were populated in binary grazing reactions initiated by a beam of S36 ions of energy 225 MeV incident on a thin Pb208 target mounted in the Cologne plunger apparatus. The combination of the PRISMA magnetic spectrometer and an early implementation of the AGATA γ-ray tracking array was used to detect γ rays in coincidence with projectile-like nuclear species. Lifetime measurements of populated states were made within the range from about 1 to 100 ps. The number of states for which lifetime measurements were possible was limited by statistics. For P33, lifetime limits were determined for the first 3/2+ and 5/2+ states at 1431 and 1848 keV, respectively; the results are compared with previous published lifetime values. The lifetime of the first 2+ state of P34 at 429 keV was determined and compared with earlier measurements. For P35, the states for which lifetimes, or lifetime limits, were determined were those at 2386, 3860, 4101, and 4493 keV, with Jπ values of 3/2+, 5/2+, 7/21−, and 7/22−, respectively. There have been no previous published lifetimes for states in this nucleus. A lifetime was measured for the stretched π(1f7/2)⊗ν(1f7/2)Jπ=(7+) state of P36 at 5212 keV and a lifetime limit was established for the stretched π(1d3/2)⊗ν(1f7/2)Jπ=(5−) state at 2030 keV. There are no previously published lifetimes for states of P36. Measured lifetime values were compared with the results of state-of-the-art shell-model calculations based on the PSDPF effective interaction. In addition, measured branching ratios, published mixing ratios, and electromagnetic transition rates, where available, have been compared with shell-model values. In general, there is good agreement between experiment and the shell model; however there is evidence that the shell-model values of the M1 transition rates for the 3/21+→1/2+ (ground state) and 5/21+→3/21+ transitions in P33 underestimate the experimental values by a factor between 5 and 10. In P35 there are some disagreements between experimental and shell-model values of branching ratios for the first and second excited 7/2− states. In particular, there is a serious disagreement for the decay characteristics of the second 7/2− state at 4493 keV, for which the shell-model counterpart lies at 4754 keV. In this case, the shell-model competing electromagnetic decay branches are dominated by E1 and M1 transitions.

Shape transitions between and within Zr isotopes

The Zirconium isotopes across the N=56,58 neutron sub­shell closures have been of special interest since years, sparked by the near doubly-magic features of 96Zr and the subsequent rapid onset of collectivity with a deformed ground-state structure already in 100Zr. Recent state-of-the-art shell model approaches did not only correctly describe this shape-phase transition in the Zr isotopic chain, but alsothe coexistence of non-collective structures and pronounced collectivity especially in 96,98Zr. Theisotope 98Zr is located on the transition from spherical to deformed ground state structures. We summarize recent experimental work to obtain the B(E2) excitation strengths of the first 2+ state of98Zr, including a new experiment employing the recoil-distance Doppler-shift method following a two-neutron transfer reaction.

Lifetime Measurements and Triple Coexisting Band Structure in ^{43}S.

Lifetime measurements of excited states in the neutron-rich nucleus ^{43}S were performed by applying the recoil-distance method on fast rare-isotope beams in conjunction with the Gamma-Ray Energy Tracking In-beam Nuclear Array. The new data based on γγ coincidences and lifetime measurements resolve a doublet of (3/2^{-}) and (5/2^{-}) states at low excitation energies. Results were compared to the π(sd)-ν(pf) shell model and antisymmetrized molecular dynamics calculations. The consistency with the theoretical calculations identifies a possible appearance of three coexisting bands near the ground state of ^{43}S: the K^{π}=1/2^{-} band built on a prolate-deformed ground state, a band built on an isomer with a 1f_{7/2}^{-1} character, and a suggested excited band built on a newly discovered doublet state. The latter further confirms the collapse of the N=28 shell closure in the neutron-rich region.

Recoil distance method lifetime measurements at TRIUMF-ISAC using the TIGRESS Integrated Plunger

The TIGRESS Integrated Plunger device (TIP) has been developed for recoil distance method (RDM) lifetime measurements using the TIGRESS array of HPGe γ-ray detectors at TRIUMF’s ISAC-II facility. A commissioning experiment was conducted utilizing a 250 MeV 84Kr beam at ≈2×108 particles per second. The 84Kr beam was Coulomb excited to the 21+ state on a movable 27Al target. A thin Cu foil fixed downstream from the target was used as a degrader. Excited nuclei emerged from the target and decayed by γ-ray emission at a distance determined by their velocity and the lifetime of the 21+ state. The ratio of decays which occur between the target and degrader to those occurring after traversing the degrader changes as a function of the target–degrader separation distance. Gamma-ray spectra at 13 target–degrader separation distances were measured and compared to simulated lineshapes to extract the lifetime. The result of τ=5.541±0.013(stat.)±0.063(sys.) ps is shorter than the literature value of 5.84±0.18 ps with a reduction in uncertainty by a factor of approximately two. The TIP plunger device, experimental technique, analysis tools, and result are discussed.

Recoil distance method lifetime measurement of the 21+ state in Sr94 and implications for the structure of neutron-rich Sr isotopes

A high precision lifetime measurement of the ${2}_{1}^{+}$ state in $^{94}\mathrm{Sr}$ was performed at TRIUMF's ISAC-II facility by coupling the recoil distance method implemented via the TIGRESS integrated plunger with unsafe Coulomb excitation in inverse kinematics. Due to limited statistics imposed by the use of a radioactive $^{94}\mathrm{Sr}$ beam, a likelihood ratio ${\ensuremath{\chi}}^{2}$ method was derived and used to compare experimental data to Geant4 simulations. The $B(E2;{2}_{1}^{+}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{0}_{1}^{+})$ value extracted from the lifetime measurement of $7.{80}_{\ensuremath{-}0.40}^{+0.50}\text{(stat.)}\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.07\text{(sys.)}$ ps is approximately 25% larger than previously reported while the relative error has been reduced by a factor of approximately 8. A baseline deformation has been established for Sr isotopes with $N\ensuremath{\le}58$ which is a necessary condition for the quantum phase transition interpretation of the onset of deformation in this region. A comparison to existing theoretical models is presented.

Isomeric Character of the Lowest Observed 4+ State in S44

Previous experiments observed a 4^{+} state in the N=28 nucleus ^{44}S and suggested that this state may exhibit a hindered E2-decay rate, inconsistent with being a member of the collective ground state band. We populate this state via two-proton knockout from a beam of exotic ^{46}Ar projectiles and measure its lifetime using the recoil distance method with the GRETINA γ-ray spectrometer. The result, 76(14)_{stat}(20)_{syst} ps, implies a hindered transition of B(E2;4^{+}→2_{1}^{+})=0.61(19) single-particle or Weisskopf units strength and supports the interpretation of the 4^{+} state as a K=4 isomer, the first example of a high-K isomer in a nucleus of such low mass.

Lifetime measurement of the41+state ofNi58with the recoil distance method

The quadrupole transition rate for the 41+→21+ transition of Ni58 was determined from an application of the recoil distance method with the Gamma-Ray Energy Tracking In-beam Nuclear Array (GRETINA). The present result of the B(E2;41+→21+) was found to be 50-6+11e2fm4, which is about three times smaller than the literature value, indicating substantially less collectivity than previously believed. Shell model calculations performed with the GXPF1A effective interaction agree with the present data and the validity of the standard effective charges in understanding collectivity in the nickel isotopes is discussed.

Lifetime measurements ofC17excited states and three-body and continuum effects

Author(s): Smalley, D; Iwasaki, H; Navratil, P; Roth, R; Langhammer, J; Bader, VM; Bazin, D; Berryman, JS; Campbell, CM; Dohet-Eraly, J; Fallon, P; Gade, A; Langer, C; Lemasson, A; Loelius, C; Macchiavelli, AO; Morse, C; Parker, J; Quaglioni, S; Recchia, F; Stroberg, SR; Weisshaar, D; Whitmore, K; Wimmer, K | Abstract: We studied transition rates for the lowest 1/2+ and 5/2+ excited states of C17 through lifetime measurements with the GRETINA array using the recoil-distance method. The present measurements provide a model-independent determination of transition strengths giving the values of B(M1;1/2+→3/2g.s.+)=1.04-0.12+0.03×10-2μN2 and B(M1;5/2+→3/2g.s.+)=7.12-0.96+1.27×10-2μN2. The quenched M1 transition strength for the 1/2+→3/2g.s.+ transition, with respect to the 5/2+→3/2g.s.+ transition, has been confirmed with greater precision. The current data are compared to importance-truncated no-core shell model calculations addressing effects due to continuum and three-body forces.

The TRIple PLunger for EXotic beams TRIPLEX for excited-state lifetime measurement studies on rare isotopes

A new device, the TRIple PLunger for EXotic beams (TRIPLEX), has been developed for lifetime measurement studies with rare isotope beams. This plunger device holds up to three metal foils in the beam path and facilitates the recoil distance Doppler-shift technique to measure lifetimes of nuclear excited states in the range of 1ps to 1ns. The unique design allows independent movement of the target and the second degrader with respect to a fixed first degrader in between, enabling advanced experimental approaches, such as the differential recoil distance method and the double recoil distance method. The design and control of the device are presented in this paper, together with simulated performances of the new applications. As an example of actual experiments, results from the lifetime measurement of the neutron-rich 17C isotope performed at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory are shown.

Evolution of collectivity in 72Kr: evidence for rapid shape transition.

The transition rates from the yrast 2+ and 4+ states in the self-conjugate 72Kr nucleus were studied via lifetime measurements employing the GRETINA array with a novel application of the recoil-distance method. The large collectivity observed for the 4+→2+ transition suggests a prolate character of the excited states. The reduced collectivity previously reported for the 2+→0+ transition was confirmed. The irregular behavior of collectivity points to the occurrence of a rapid oblate-prolate shape transition in 72Kr, providing stringent tests for advanced theories to describe the shape coexistence and its evolution.

Integral- and differential-decay-curve methods for recoil distance measurements of nuclear lifetimes

A new procedure of analysis for the measurement of nuclear lifetimes with the Recoil Distance Method is presented and discussed. In comparison with the standard Differential Decay Curve method, the new procedure avoids the difficulties related to the variation of the average velocity of decaying nuclei with the target–stopper distance, which can result from a large spread in the angular and velocity distributions. This can be particularly useful when a relatively thick target must be used due to the weak beam current, as in measurements with radioactive beams. Moreover the “integral” form of the method can be useful when the most significant points lie at the border of the explored region, where the evaluation of derivatives is subject to larger uncertainties.

Quadrupole collectivity in neutron-rich Fe and Cr isotopes.

Intermediate-energy Coulomb excitation measurements are performed on the N ≥ 40 neutron-rich nuclei (66,68)Fe and (64)Cr. The reduced transition matrix elements providing a direct measure of the quadrupole collectivity B(E2;2(1)(+) → 0(1)(+)) are determined for the first time in (68)Fe(42) and (64)Cr(40) and confirm a previous recoil distance method lifetime measurement in (66)Fe(40). The results are compared to state-of-the-art large-scale shell-model calculations within the full fpgd neutron orbital model space using the Lenzi-Nowacki-Poves-Sieja effective interaction and confirm the results of the calculations that show these nuclei are well deformed.

Structure of16C: Testing shell model andab initioapproaches

Excited states in C-16 were populated via the Be-9(N-17,C-16+gamma)X one-proton knockout reaction. The lifetime of the 2(1)(+) state in C-16 was measured using the recoil distance method. The extracted lifetime of tau(+)(21) = 11.4(-0.9)(+0.8)(stat) +/- 0.7(syst(B rho))(-1.5)(+0.0)(syst(feeding)) ps yields a deduced B(E2;2(1)(+) -> 0(1)(+)) = 4.21(-0.26)(+0.34)(stat)(-0.24)(+0.28)(syst(B rho))(-0.00)(+0.64)(syst(feeding)) e(2)fm(4) value in good agreement with a previous measurement. The one-proton knockout cross section is used to extract the proton amplitude of the C-16 2(1)(+) state, which confirms the neutron dominant character of this state. Gamma-ray branching ratios between the 2(2)(+) state and the 2(1)(+) and ground states were also determined. The results are compared with p-sd shell model and no-core shell model (with NN and NN + NNN) calculations. The inclusion of three-body forces are essential in order for the no-core shell model calculations to reproduce the experimental findings on the gamma-ray branching ratios.

Evolution of the X(5) critical-point symmetry in rotating

Lifetimes of excited states above 10+ in the yrast band in 176Os have been measured using the Doppler shift attenuation method, via the fusion evaporation reaction . Lifetimes of states over 12+ were measured for the first time. The deduced transitional quadruple moments (Qt), together with the previous data using a recoil distance method, are compared with theoretical calculations based on the X(5) model and the interaction boson model. For the states below spin 10+, the data of previous work support an X(5)-like structure, but for the states above 10+, the value of Qt remains almost constant, being the characteristic of a symmetric rotor. The present result suggests that the shape of the nucleus 176Os changes from X(5) critical-point symmetry to an axially deformed rotor with increasing spin.

Improved method of analysis for Recoil Distance Measurements of nuclear lifetimes

The Recoil Distance Method is known as a very powerful tool for measuring the lifetimes of excited nuclear levels in the picosecond region. Usually, for each level, coincidences with the shifted part of a feeding transition are used to avoid the bias from the accumulated delay in the higher lying cascade, by means of the Differential Decay Curve Method. Here, an integral version of the Decay Curve Method is proposed and discussed. This technique has several noticeable advantages, particularly when the overall statistics of the results is limited owing to the weak beam current, as expected with radioactive ion beams.

Decoupling behavior inLa132

Heavy-ion fusion reactions $^{122}\mathrm{Sn}$($^{14,15}\mathrm{N}$, $\mathit{xn}$)$^{132}\mathrm{La}$ have been utilized for the lifetime measurements using the recoil distance method. The lifetimes of seven low-lying excited states were obtained. In addition, the lifetimes of two states belonging to a band, which was identified as a decoupled band, were obtained. The decoupling behavior in $^{132}\mathrm{La}$ has been theoretically investigated using the particle-rotor model in the model space of $\ensuremath{\pi}{h}_{11/2}$ and ($\ensuremath{\nu}{s}_{1/2},$ $\ensuremath{\nu}{d}_{3/2}$). The pseudospin coupling model was also utilized to understand the decoupling behavior in terms of the valence-particle configuration $\ensuremath{\pi}{h}_{11/2}({\ensuremath{\Omega}}_{\ensuremath{\pi}}=\frac{1}{2})\ensuremath{\bigotimes}\ensuremath{\nu}[\mathrm{411\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}]({\ensuremath{\Omega}}_{\ensuremath{\nu}}=\frac{1}{2},\frac{3}{2})$, and a reasonable agreement with the experiment was obtained.

Lifetime measurements and shape coexistence inDy144

The known level scheme of {sup 144}Dy has been extended and lifetime measurements have been made with the recoil-distance Doppler-shift method. Reduced transition probabilities and deformations have been determined for four low-lying transitions. These states form part of the first observed band crossing, giving information on the change in nuclear deformation resulting from the rearrangement of h{sub 11/2} protons in the nucleus. Two bands built upon excited 10{sup +} states have been assigned pi(h{sub 11/2}){sup 2} prolate and nu(h{sub 11/2}){sup -2} oblate configurations with tau=12(2)ps and 0.01<tau < or approx. 16ns, respectively. These long lifetimes are reasoned to be a result of shape coexistence at low energy and moderate spin. A known four-quasiparticle dipole band has been extended to higher spin and lifetime measurements suggest a long-lived bandhead state. In this case, the excited states in the band may be consistent with a shears model interpretation of a magnetic dipole rotor. However, the measured B(M1)/B(E2) branching ratios reveal a larger than expected deformed rotational component compared with that in the analogous band in the lower mass isotone {sup 142}Gd.

A simulation tool for Recoil Distance Method lifetime measurements at NSCL

A detailed, universal simulation tool for the Recoil Distance Method lifetime measurements at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL) is presented. The measurements are made with the Köln-NSCL plunger-SeGA setup and utilize fast, secondary beams of exotic nuclei provided by the Coupled Cyclotron Facility and the A1900 fragment separator. The simulation tool, built upon GEANT4 and Root toolkits, incorporates all relevant aspects of a plunger experiment. The tool is applied in two ways. First, to aid in the design of new experiments by facilitating the choice of optimal experimental conditions. Second, to aid in off-line analysis of the experimental data and in particular to deduce the lifetime by comparison of experimental and simulated peak shapes in the γ -ray energy spectra. All the important features of the simulation tool are described, followed by examples of the application of the tool in the cases of real experiments completed or proposed at NSCL.

Lifetime Measurement of the First Excited2+State inC16

The lifetime of the 2_+(1) state in 16C has been measured with the recoil distance method using the 9Be(9Be,2p) fusion-evaporation reaction at a beam energy of 40 MeV. The mean lifetime was measured to be 11.7(20) ps corresponding to a B(E2;2_+(1)-->0+) value of 4.15(73)e_2 fm_4 [1.73(30) W.u.], consistent with other even-even closed shell nuclei. Our result does not support an interpretation for "decoupled" valence neutrons.