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International audience; The measurement of the production cross sections of exotic neutronrich heavy nuclei, in the uranium region, in the vicinity of the N = 152 deformed shell gap was carried out via multinucleon transfer reactions of 238U + 238U at 7.193 and 6.765 MeV/A using the VAMOS++ magnetic spectrometer coupled to the AGATA and ID-Fix photon detection arrays. This article reports on the status of the VAMOS++ data analysis and results on the population of the strongest (±1n) transfer channels observed from the decay of long-lived products after irradiation.

The structure of $^{83}$As, $^{85}$As and $^{87}$As have been studied in fusion-fission reaction $^{238}$U+$^9$Be. Fission fragments were identified in mass and atomic number using the VAMOS++ spectrometer and the coincident $γ$-rays were detected in the $γ$-ray tracking array AGATA. New transitions in $^{83}$As and $^{85}$As are reported and placed in the level schemes. A level scheme of the excited states in $^{87}$As is proposed for the first time. The data are interpreted in frame of Large-Scale Shell-Model calculations, SU3 symmetries and Beyond Mean-Field frameworks. A spherical regime at magic number $N$=50 is predicted and the location of the proton $g_{9/2}$ orbital is proposed for the first time. Development of collectivity in a prolate deformed, $γ$-soft regime in the open shell cases $^{85}$As and $^{87}$As, most neutron-rich isotopes beyond $N$=50, is concluded. Data and theoretical calculations give confidence to a relatively high extrapolated excitation energy about 4 MeV of the $9/2^+$ state in $^{79}$Cu, one proton above $^{78}$Ni.

Background: The Z=50 shell closure, near N=82, is unique in the sense that it is the only shell closure with the spin-orbit partner orbitals, πg9/2 and πg7/2, enclosing the magic gap. The interaction of the proton hole/particle in the above-mentioned orbitals with neutrons in the νh11/2 orbital is an important prerequisite to the understanding of the nuclear structure near N=82 and the νπ interaction. Purpose: To explore the structural similarity between the high-spin isomeric states in In (Z=49), Sn (Z=50), and Sb (Z=51) isotopes from a microscopic point of view. In addition, to understand the role of a proton hole or particle in the spin-orbit partner orbitals, πg9/2 and πg7/2, respectively, with neutron holes in the νh11/2 orbital on these aforementioned isomers. Methods: The fusion and transfer induced fission reaction Be9(U238, f) with 6.2 MeV/u beam energy, using a unique setup consisting of AGATA, VAMOS++, and EXOGAM detectors, was used to populate through the fission process and study the neutron-rich In119,121 isotopes. This setup enabled the prompt-delayed γ-ray spectroscopy of isotopes in the time range of 100ns-200μs. Results: In the odd-AIn119,121 isotopes, indications of a short half-life 19/2- isomeric state, in addition to the previously known 25/2+ isomeric state, were observed from the present data. Further, new prompt transitions above the 25/2+ isomer in In121 were identified along with reevaluation of its half-life. Conclusions: The experimental data were compared with the theoretical results obtained in the framework of large-scale shell-model calculations in a restricted model space. The (πg9/2νh11/2;I|Ĥ|πg9/2νh11/2;I) two-body matrix elements of residual interaction were modified to explain the excitation energies and the B(E2) transition probabilities in the neutron-rich In isotopes. The (i) decreasing trend of E(29/2+)-E(25/2+) in odd-In (with dominant configuration πg9/2-1νh11/2-2 and maximum aligned spin of 29/2+) and (ii) increasing trend of E(27/2+)-E(23/2+) in odd-Sb (with dominant configuration πg7/2+1νh11/2-2 and maximum aligned spin of 27/2+) with increasing neutron number could be understood as a consequence of hole-hole and particle-hole interactions, respectively.

Background: The Z=50 shell closure, near N=82, is unique in the sense that it is the only shell closure with the spin-orbit partner orbitals, πg9/2 and πg7/2, enclosing the magic gap. The interaction of the proton hole/particle in the above-mentioned orbitals with neutrons in the νh11/2 orbital is an important prerequisite to the understanding of the nuclear structure near N=82 and the νπ interaction. Purpose: To explore the structural similarity between the high-spin isomeric states in In (Z=49), Sn (Z=50), and Sb (Z=51) isotopes from a microscopic point of view. In addition, to understand the role of a proton hole or particle in the spin-orbit partner orbitals, πg9/2 and πg7/2, respectively, with neutron holes in the νh11/2 orbital on these aforementioned isomers. Methods: The fusion and transfer induced fission reaction Be9(U238, f) with 6.2 MeV/u beam energy, using a unique setup consisting of AGATA, VAMOS++, and EXOGAM detectors, was used to populate through the fission process and study the neutron-rich In119,121 isotopes. This setup enabled the prompt-delayed γ-ray spectroscopy of isotopes in the time range of 100ns-200μs. Results: In the odd-AIn119,121 isotopes, indications of a short half-life 19/2- isomeric state, in addition to the previously known 25/2+ isomeric state, were observed from the present data. Further, new prompt transitions above the 25/2+ isomer in In121 were identified along with reevaluation of its half-life. Conclusions: The experimental data were compared with the theoretical results obtained in the framework of large-scale shell-model calculations in a restricted model space. The (πg9/2νh11/2;I|Ĥ|πg9/2νh11/2;I) two-body matrix elements of residual interaction were modified to explain the excitation energies and the B(E2) transition probabilities in the neutron-rich In isotopes. The (i) decreasing trend of E(29/2+)-E(25/2+) in odd-In (with dominant configuration πg9/2-1νh11/2-2 and maximum aligned spin of 29/2+) and (ii) increasing trend of E(27/2+)-E(23/2+) in odd-Sb (with dominant configuration πg7/2+1νh11/2-2 and maximum aligned spin of 27/2+) with increasing neutron number could be understood as a consequence of hole-hole and particle-hole interactions, respectively.

To test the predictive power of ab initio nuclear structure theory, the lifetime of the second 2+ state in neutron-rich 20O,τ(2+2)=150+80−30fs, and an estimate for the lifetime of the second 2+ state in 16C have been obtained for the first time. The results were achieved via a novel Monte Carlo technique that allowed us to measure nuclear state lifetimes in the tens-to-hundreds of femtoseconds range by analyzing the Doppler-shifted γ-transition line shapes of products of low-energy transfer and deep-inelastic processes in the reaction 18O(7.0MeV/u)+181Ta. The requested sensitivity could only be reached owing to the excellent performances of the Advanced γ-Tracking Array AGATA, coupled to the PARIS scintillator array and to the VAMOS++ magnetic spectrometer. The experimental lifetimes agree with predictions of ab initio calculations using two- and three-nucleon interactions, obtained with the valence-space in-medium similarity renormalization group for 20O and with the no-core shell model for 16C. The present measurement shows the power of electromagnetic observables, determined with high-precision γ spectroscopy, to assess the quality of first-principles nuclear structure calculations, complementing common benchmarks based on nuclear energies. The proposed experimental approach will be essential for short lifetime measurements in unexplored regions of the nuclear chart, including r-process nuclei, when intense beams, produced by Isotope Separation On-Line (ISOL) techniques, become available.

AGATA Collaboration, Lifetimes of the excited states in the neutron-rich Ti52,54 nuclei, produced in a multinucleon-transfer reaction, were measured by employing the Cologne plunger device and the recoil-distance Doppler-shift method. The experiment was performed at the Grand Accélérateur National d'Ions Lourds facility by using the Advanced Gamma Tracking Array for the γ-ray detection, coupled to the large-acceptance variable mode spectrometer for an event-by-event particle identification. A comparison between the transition probabilities obtained from the measured lifetimes of the 21+ to 81+ yrast states in Ti52,54 and that from the shell-model calculations based on the well-established GXPF1A, GXPF1B, and KB3G fp shell interactions support the N=32 subshell closure. The B(E2) values for Ti52 determined in this work are in disagreement with the known data, but are consistent with the predictions of the shell-model calculations and reduce the previously observed pronounced staggering across the even-even titanium isotopes.

The high-spin states of the neutron-rich Ga81, with three valence protons outside a Ni78 core, were measured. The measurement involved prompt γ-ray spectroscopy of fission fragments isotopically identified using the combination of the variable mode spectrometer (VAMOS++) and the advanced gamma tracking array (AGATA). The new γ-ray transitions, observed in coincidence with Ga81 ions, and the corresponding level scheme do not confirm the high-spin levels reported earlier. The newly observed high-spin states in Ga81 are interpreted using the results of state-of-the-art large-scale shell model (LSSM) calculations. The lower excitation energy levels are understood as resulting from the recoupling of three valence protons to the closed doubly magic core, while the highest excitation energy levels correspond to excitations of the magic N=50 neutron core. These results support the doubly magic character of Ni78 and the persistence of the N=50 shell closure but also highlight the presence of strong proton-neutron correlations associated with the promotion of neutrons across the magic N=50 shell gap, only few nucleons away from Ni78.

21 pags., 18 figs., 10 tabs.-- Open Access funded by Creative Commons Atribution Licence 4.0, Background: Levels fulfilling the seniority scheme and relevant isomers are commonly observed features in semimagic nuclei; for example, in Sn isotopes (Z=50). Seniority isomers in Sn, with dominantly pure neutron configurations, directly probe the underlying neutron-neutron (νν) interaction. Furthermore, an addition of a valence proton particle or hole, through neutron-proton (νπ) interaction, affects the neutron seniority as well as the angular momentum. Purpose: Benchmark the reproducibility of the experimental observables, like the excitation energies (EX) and the reduced electric-quadrupole transition probabilities [B(E2)], with the results obtained from shell-model interactions for neutron-rich Sn and Sb isotopes with N, P.B. and A.M. acknowledge support from the Polish National Science Centre (NCN) under Contract No. 2016/22/M/ST2/00269 and the French LEA COPIGAL project. S.Bi., R.B., S.Bh., S.Bh., and R.P. acknowledge support from CEFIPRA project No. 5604-4 and the LIA France– India agreement. H.L.C. and P.F. acknowledge support from the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Nuclear Physics under Contract No. DE-AC02-05CH11231 (LBNL). R.M.P.V. acknowledge partial support by Ministry of Science, Spain, under the grants BES-2012-061407, SEV2014-0398, FPA2017-84756-C4 and by EU FEDER funds. A.J. was supported by the Spanish Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad under contract FPA2017-84756-C4-2-P.

The lifetimes of first excited 2$^+$, 4$^+$ and 6$^+$ states in $^{98}$Zr were measured with the Recoil-Distance Doppler Shift method in an experiment performed at GANIL. Excited states in $^{98}$Zr were populated using the fission reaction between a 6.2 MeV/u $^{238}$U beam and a $^{9}$Be target. The $\gamma$ rays were detected with the EXOGAM array in correlation with the fission fragments identified in mass and atomic number in the VAMOS++ spectrometer. Our result shows very small B(E2;2$_1^+$ $\rightarrow$ 0$_1^+$) value in $^{98}$Zr thereby confirming the very sudden onset of collectivity at $N=60$. The experimental results are compared to large-scale Monte Carlo Shell model and beyond mean field calculations. The present results indicate coexistence of two additional deformed shapes in this nucleus along with the spherical ground state.

The lifetimes of the first excited 2^{+}, 4^{+}, and 6^{+} states in ^{98}Zr were measured with the recoil-distance Doppler shift method in an experiment performed at GANIL. Excited states in ^{98}Zr were populated using the fission reaction between a 6.2 MeV/u ^{238}U beam and a ^{9}Be target. The γ rays were detected with the EXOGAM array in correlation with the fission fragments identified by mass and atomic number in the VAMOS++ spectrometer. Our result shows a very small B(E2;2_{1}^{+}→0_{1}^{+}) value in ^{98}Zr, thereby confirming the very sudden onset of collectivity at N=60. The experimental results are compared to large-scale Monte Carlo shell model and beyond-mean-field calculations. The present results indicate the coexistence of two additional deformed shapes in this nucleus along with the spherical ground state. ispartof: PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS vol:121 issue:19 pages:192501-192501 ispartof: location:United States status: published

A new experimental setup to measure prompt-delayed γ-ray coincidences from isotopically identified fission fragments, over a wide time range of 100ns-200μ s, is presented. The fission fragments were isotopically identified, on an event-by-event basis, using the VAMOS++ large acceptance spectrometer. The prompt γ rays emitted at the target position and corresponding delayed γ rays emitted at the focal plane of the spectrometer were detected using, respectively, thirty two crystals of the AGATA γ-ray tracking array and seven EXOGAM HPGe Clover detectors. Fission fragments produced in fusion and transfer-induced fission reactions, using a 238U beam at an energy of 6.2 MeV/u impinging on a 9Be target, were used to characterize and qualify the performance of the detection system.

© 2017, SIF, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany. A new experimental setup to measure prompt-delayed γ-ray coincidences from isotopically identified fission fragments, over a wide time range of 100ns-200μ s, is presented. The fission fragments were isotopically identified, on an event-by-event basis, using the VAMOS++ large acceptance spectrometer. The prompt γ rays emitted at the target position and corresponding delayed γ rays emitted at the focal plane of the spectrometer were detected using, respectively, thirty two crystals of the AGATA γ-ray tracking array and seven EXOGAM HPGe Clover detectors. Fission fragments produced in fusion and transfer-induced fission reactions, using a 238U beam at an energy of 6.2 MeV/u impinging on a 9Be target, were used to characterize and qualify the performance of the detection system.

Prompt.-ray spectroscopy of the neutron-rich Kr-96, produced in transfer-and fusion-induced fission reactions, has been performed using the combination of the Advanced Gamma Tracking Array and the VAMOS + +spectrometer. A second excited state, assigned to J pi = 4(+), is observed for the first time, and a previously reported level energy of the first 2+ excited state is confirmed. The measured energy ratio R-4/2 = E(4(+))/E(2(+)) = 2.12(1) indicates that this nucleus does not show a well-developed collectivity contrary to that seen in heavier N = 60 isotones. This new measurement highlights an abrupt transition of the degree of collectivity as a function of the proton number at Z = 36, of similar amplitude to that observed at N = 60 at higher Z values. A possible reason for this abrupt transition could be related to the insufficient proton excitations in the g(9/2), d(5/2), and s(1/2) orbitals to generate strong quadrupole correlations or to the coexistence of competing different shapes. An unexpected continuous decrease of R-4/2 as a function of the neutron number up to N = 60 is also evidenced. This measurement establishes the Kr isotopic chain as the low-Z boundary of the island of deformation for N = 60 isotones. A comparison with available theoretical predictions using different beyond mean-field approaches shows that these models fail to reproduce the abrupt transitions at N = 60 and Z = 36.

Lifetimes of first 4(+) and 6(+) states have been measured in neutron-rich isotopes of Zr, Mo, Ru and Pd using the recoil distance Doppler shift method at GANIL. The nuclei were produced through a fusion-fission reaction in inverse kinematics. The fission fragments were fully identified in the large-acceptance VAMOS spectrometer and gamma -rays were detected in coincidence with the EXOGAM germanium array. Lifetimes of excited states in the range of 1-100 ps were measured with the Cologne plunger. Preliminary lifetime results are presented as well as a discussion on the evolution of the collectivity in this region.

The GANIL-Spiral facility (Caen, France) is dedicated to the acceleration of heavy ion beams for nuclear physics, atomic physics, radiobiology and material irradiation. The production of radioactive ion beams for nuclear physics studies represents the main part of the activity. The facility possesses a versatile combination of equipments, which permits to produce accelerated radioactive ion beams with two complementary methods: Isotope Separation In Line (ISOL) and In-Flight Separation techniques (IFS). Considering the future of GANIL, SPIRAL II projects aims to produce high intensity secondary beams, by fission induced with a 5 mA deuteron beam on an uranium target., Comment: 5 pages, 5 figures, to be appear in the proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Cyclotrons and their Applications

LPSC-si ;; There is currently in the nuclear physics community a strong interest in the use of beams of accelerated radioactive ions. Although a fast glance at the nuclide chart immediately shows the vast unknown territories on the neutron-rich side of the valley of beta stability, only few projects are concerned with the neutron-rich nuclides.The SPIRAL-II program aims at studying the techniques for delivering beams of neutron-rich radioactive nuclidesat energies of a few MeV per nucleon. For that purpose, some study groups have been formed to evaluate the possibility ofsuch a project inthe different components: physics case, target-ion sources, drivers, postacceleration and general infrastructure. The organization of the project study is given at the end of this report. You will find also the name of all the people involved in the study. The following report presents an overview of the study.

A novel Monte Carlo technique has been developed to determine lifetimes of excited states in the tens-to-hundreds femtoseconds range in products of low-energy heavy-ion binary reactions, with complex velocity distributions. The method is based on a detailed study of Doppler-broadened $$\gamma $$ γ -ray lineshapes. Its relevance is demonstrated in connection with the $$^{18}\text {O}(7.0\, \text {MeV/u})+\,^{181}\text {Ta}$$ 18 O ( 7.0 MeV/u ) + 181 Ta experiment, performed at GANIL with the AGATA+VAMOS+PARIS setup, to study neutron-rich O, C, N, ... nuclei. Excited states in $$^{17}\text {O}$$ 17 O and $$^{19}\text {O}$$ 19 O , with known lifetimes, are used to validate the method over the $$\sim 20{-}400\,\text {fs}$$ ∼ 20 - 400 fs lifetime-sensitivity range. Emphasis is given to the unprecedented position resolution provided by $$\gamma $$ γ -tracking arrays, which turns out to be essential for reaching the required accuracy in Doppler-shift correction. The technique is anticipated to be an important tool for lifetime investigations in exotic neutron-rich nuclei, produced with intense ISOL-type beams.