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Multi-nucleon transfer reaction between 136Xe beam and 198Pt target was performed using the VAMOS++ spectrometer at GANIL to study the structure of n-rich nuclei around N=126. Unambiguous charge state identification was obtained by combining two supervised machine learning methods, deep neural network (DNN) and positional correction using a gradient-boosting decision tree (GBDT). The new method reduced the complexity of the kinetic energy calibration and outperformed the conventional method, improving the charge state resolution by 8%

The atomic masses of $^{55}$Sc, $^{56,58}$Ti, and $^{56-59}$V have been determined using the high-precision multi-reflection time-of-flight technique. The radioisotopes have been produced at RIKEN's RIBF facility and delivered to the novel designed gas cell and multi-reflection system (ZD MRTOF), which has been recently commissioned downstream of the ZeroDegree spectrometer following the BigRIPS separator. For $^{56,58}$Ti and $^{56-59}$V the mass uncertainties have been reduced down to the order of $10\,\mathrm{keV}$, shedding new light on the $N=34$ shell effect in Ti and V isotopes by the first high-precision mass measurements of the critical species $^{58}$Ti and $^{59}$V. With the new precision achieved, we reveal the non-existence of the $N=34$ empirical two-neutron shell gaps for Ti and V, and the enhanced energy gap above the occupied $\nu p_{3/2}$ orbit is identified as a feature unique to Ca. We perform new Monte Carlo shell model calculations including the $\nu d_{5/2}$ and $\nu g_{9/2}$ orbits and compare the results with conventional shell model calculations, which exclude the $\nu g_{9/2}$ and the $\nu d_{5/2}$ orbits. The comparison indicates that the shell gap reduction in Ti is related to a partial occupation of the higher orbitals for the outer two valence neutrons at $N=34$.

A newly assembled multi-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrograph (MRTOF-MS) at RIKEN's RIBF facility became operational for the first time in spring 2020; further modifications and performance tests using stable ions were completed in early 2021. By using a pulsed-drift-tube technique to modify the ions' kinetic energy in a wide range, we directly characterize the dispersion function of the system for use in a new procedure for optimizing the voltages applied to the electrostatic mirrors. Thus far, a mass resolving power of $R_m > 1\,000\,000$ is reached within a total time-of-flight of only $12.5\,\mathrm{ms}$, making the spectrometer capable of studying short-lived nuclei possessing low-lying isomers. Detailed information about the setup and measurement procedure is reported, and an alternative in-MRTOF ion selection scheme to remove molecular contaminants in the absence of a dedicated deflection device is introduced. The setup underwent an initial on-line commissioning at the BigRIPS facility at the end of 2020, where more than 70 nuclear masses have been measured. A summary of the commissioning experiments and results from a test of mass accuracy will be presented., Comment: 13 pages, 11 figures

De-excitation $\gamma $ rays associated with an isomeric state of $^{186}$Ta were investigated. The isomers were produced in multinucleon transfer reactions between a $^{136}$Xe beam and a natural W target, and were collected and separated by the KEK Isotope Separation System. Two $\gamma $ transitions with energies of 161.1(2) and 186.8(1) keV associated with an isomeric decay were observed for the first time. The half-life of the isomeric state of the neutral atom $^{186 \rm m}$Ta was deduced as 17(2) s. Based on the comparison with the previous measurements of the isomeric state using the ESR storage ring at GSI Darmstadt and the coupling of angular momenta of individual particle orbitals in odd-odd nuclei, a decay scheme of $^{186 \rm m}$Ta was proposed.

The atomic masses of the isotopes $^{206,207}$Ra have been measured via decay-correlated mass spectroscopy using a multi-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrograph equipped with an $\alpha$-TOF detector. The Ra isotopes were produced as fusion-evaporation products in the $^{51}$V+$^{159}$Tb reaction system and delivered by the gas-filled recoil ion separator GARIS-II at RIKEN. The $\alpha$-TOF detector provides for high-accuracy mass measurements by correlating time-of-flight signals with subsequent $\alpha$-decay events. The masses of $^{206}$Ra and $^{207g,m}$Ra were directly measured using a multi-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrograph equipped with an $\alpha$-TOF detector. A mass excess of ME = 3538(15) keV/c$^2$ and an excitation energy of E$_{\rm ex}$ = 552(42) keV were determined. The $\alpha$-decay branching ratio of $^{207m}$Ra, b$\alpha$ = 0.26(20), was directly determined from decay-correlated time-of-flight signals, and the reduced alpha width of $^{207m}$Ra was calculated to be $\delta^2$ = 50+62-41 keV from the branching ratio. The spin-parity of $^{207m}$Ra was confirmed to be $J^\pi$ = 13/2$^-$ from decay correlated mass measurement results.

Mass-separated 187Ta in a high-spin isomeric state has been produced for the first time by multi-nucleon transfer reactions, employing an argon gas stopping cell and laser ionisation. Internal gamma rays revealed a 7.3 s isomer at 1778 keV, which decays through a rotational band with perturbations associated with the approach to a prolate-oblate shape transition. Model calculations show less influence from triaxiality compared to heavier elements in the same mass region. The isomer decay reduced E2 hindrance factor of 27 supports the interpretation that axial symmetry is approximately conserved., Comment: 5 pages, 5 figures

We present the first direct measurement of the atomic mass of a superheavy nuclide. Atoms of $^{257}$Db ($Z$=105) were produced online at the RIKEN Nishina Center for Accelerator-Based Science using the fusion-evaporation reaction $^{208}$Pb($^{51}$V, 2n)$^{257}$Db. The gas-filled recoil ion separator GARIS-II was used to suppress both the unreacted primary beam and some transfer products, prior to delivering the energetic beam of $^{257}$Db ions to a helium gas-filled ion stopping cell wherein they were thermalized. Thermalized $^{257}$Db$^{3+}$ ions were then transferred to a multi-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrograph for mass analysis. An alpha particle detector embedded in the ion time-of-flight detector allowed disambiguation of the rare $^{257}$Db$^{3+}$ time-of-flight detection events from background by means of correlation with characteristic $\alpha$-decays. The extreme sensitivity of this technique allowed a precision atomic mass determination from 11 events. The mass excess was determined to be $100\,063(231)_\textrm{stat}(132)_\textrm{sys}$~keV/c$^2$. Comparing to several mass models, we show the technique can be used to unambiguously determine the atomic number as $Z$=105 and should allow similar evaluations for heavier species in future work., Comment: Submitted to PRC as Rapid Comm., 5 pages, 4 figures

We have developed a novel detector, referred to as an "$\alpha$-ToF detector", for correlated measurements of atomic masses and decay properties of low-yield, short-lived radioactive isotopes using a multi-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrograph. By correlating measured time-of-flight signals with decay events, it will be possible to suppress background events and obtain accurate, high-precision mass values even in cases of very low event rates. An offline test of the $\alpha$-ToF detector has shown that the time-of-flight detection efficiency for 5.48~MeV $\alpha$-rays is more than 90\% and yields a time resolution of 251.5(68)~ps and an energy resolution of 141.1(9)~keV. Using a two-dimensional spectrum of the correlated $\alpha$-ray energy and time-of-flight, the $\alpha$-rays from mixed $\alpha$ sources could be fairly well resolved., Comment: 6pages, 10 figures

We introduce a new concomitant referencing mode for operating a multi-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrograph (MRTOF-MS), wherein the reference and analyte ions are interleaved on a cycle by cycle bases. Using this mode, we demonstrate an improved technique for performing wide bandwidth mass measurements via MRTOF-MS. This new technique offers a simplified analysis and high-accuracy., Comment: 8 pages, 6 figures, follow-up for DOI:10.1016/j.ijms.2013.11.005

The masses of the exotic isotopes $^{210-214}$Ac and $^{210-214}$Ra have been measured with a multi-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrograph. These isotopes were obtained in flight as fusion-evaporation products behind the gas-filled recoil ion separator GARIS-II at RIKEN. The new direct mass measurements serve as an independent and direct benchmark for existing $\alpha$-$\gamma$ spectroscopy data in this mass region. Further, new mass anchor points are set for U and Np nuclei close to the $N=126$ shell closure for a future benchmark of the $Z=92$ sub-shell for neutron-deficient heavy isotopes. Our mass results are in general in good agreement with the previously indirectly-determined mass values. Together with the measurement data, reasons for possible mass ambiguities from decay-data links between ground states are discussed.

The masses of $^{246}$Es, $^{251}$Fm and the transfermium nuclei $^{249-252}$Md, and $^{254}$No, produced by hot- and cold-fusion reactions, in the vicinity of the deformed $N=152$ neutron shell closure, have been directly measured using a multireflection time-of-flight mass spectrograph. The masses of $^{246}$Es and $^{249,250,252}$Md were measured for the first time. Using the masses of $^{249,250}$Md as anchor points for $\alpha$ decay chains, the masses of heavier nuclei, up to $^{261}$Bh and $^{266}$Mt, were determined. These new masses were compared with theoretical global mass models and demonstrated to be in good agreement with macroscopic-microscopic models in this region. The empirical shell gap parameter $\delta_{2n}$ derived from three isotopic masses was updated with the new masses and corroborate the existence of the deformed $N=152$ neutron shell closure for Md and Lr.

High-precision mass measurements of $^{63}$Cu, $^{64-66}$Zn, $^{65}$Ga, $^{65-67}$Ge, $^{67}$As, $^{78,81}$Br, $^{80}$Rb, and $^{79}$Sr were performed utilizing a multireflection time-of-flight mass spectrograph combined with the gas-filled recoil ion separator GARIS-II. In the case of $^{65}$Ga, a mass uncertainty of 2.1 keV, corresponding to a relative precision of $\delta m / m = 3.5\times10^{-8}$, was obtained and the mass value is in excellent agreement with the 2016 Atomic Mass Evaluation. For $^{67}$Ge and $^{81}$Br, where masses were previously deduced through indirect measurements, discrepancies with literature values were found. The feasibility of using this device for mass measurements of nuclides more neutron-deficient side, which have significant impact on the $rp$-process pathway, is discussed., Comment: 15 pages, 6 figures, 1 table

The Mott polarimetry for T -Violation (MTV) experiment tests time-reversal symmetry in polarized nuclear beta decay by measuring an electron's transverse polarization as a form of angular asymmetry in Mott scattering using a thin metal foil. A Mott scattering analyzer system developed using a tracking detector to measure scattering angles offers better event selectivity than conventional counter experiments. In this paper, we describe a pilot experiment conducted at KEK-TRIAC using a prototype system with a polarized 8Li beam. The experiment confirmed the sound performance of our Mott analyzer system to measure T-violating triple correlation (R correlation), and therefore recommends its use in higher-precision experiments at the TRIUMF-ISAC.

Magnetic dipole moment and mean-square charge radius of $^{199}$Pt ($I^{\pi}=$ 5/2$^-$) have been evaluated for the first time from the investigation of the hyperfine splitting of the $\lambda_1=$ 248.792 nm transition by in-gas-cell laser ionization spectroscopy. Neutron-rich nucleus $^{199}$Pt was produced by multi-nucleon transfer reaction at the KISS where the nuclear spectroscopy in the vicinity of $N=$ 126 is planed from the aspect of an astrophysical interest as well as the nuclear structure. Measured magnetic dipole moment $+$0.63(13)$\mu_{\rm N}$ is consistent with the systematics of those of nuclei with $I^{\pi}=$ 5/2$^-$. The deformation parameter $|<\beta_2^2>^{1/2}|$ evaluated from the isotope shift indicates the gradual shape change to spherical shape of platinum isotopes with increasing neutron number toward $N=$ 126., Comment: 8 pages, 5 figures

Using a mulit-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrograph (MRTOF-MS) located after a gas cell coupled with the gas-filled recoil ion separator GARIS-II, the masses of several heavy nuclei have been directly and precisely measured. The nuclei were produced via fusion-evaporation reactions and separated from projectile-like and target-like particles using GARIS-II before being stopped in a helium-filled gas cell. Time-of-flight spectra for three isobar chains, 205Fr-205Rn-205At-205Po, 206Fr-206Rn-206At and 201Rn-201At-201Po-201Bi, were observed. Precision atomic mass values were determined for 205,206Fr, 201At, and 201Po., Comment: 5 pages, 2 figures

Excited states in 17C were investigated through the measurement of beta?-delayed neutrons and gamma rays emitted in the ? decay of 17B. In the measurement, three negative-parity states and two inconclusive states, were identified in 17C above the neutron threshold energy, and seven gamma-lines were identified in a beta?-delayed multiple neutron emission of the 17B ? decay. From these transitions, the beta?-decay scheme of 17B was determined. In the present work, the fibeta-NMR technique is combined with the ?-delayed particle measurements using a fragmentation-induced spin-polarized 17B beam. This new scheme allows us to determine the spin parity of beta?-decay feeding excited states based on the difference in the discrete fibeta-decay asymmetry parameters, provided the states are connected through the Gamow-Teller transition. In this work, 1/2-, 3/2-, and (5/2-) are assigned to the observed states at Ex = 2.71(2), 3.93(2), and 4.05(2) MeV in 17C, respectively.

A new laser ion source configuration based on resonant photoionization in a gas cell has been developed at RIBF RIKEN. This system is intended for the future PArasitic RI-beam production by Laser Ion-Source (PALIS) project which will be installed at RIKEN's fragment separator, BigRIPS. A novel implementation of differential pumping, in combination with a sextupole ion beam guide (SPIG), has been developed. A few small scroll pumps create a pressure difference from 1000 hPa - 10^-3 Pa within a geometry drastically miniaturized compared to conventional systems. This system can utilize a large exit hole for fast evacuation times, minimizing the decay loss for short-lived nuclei during extraction from a buffer gas cell, while sufficient gas cell pressure is maintained for stopping high energy RI-beams. In spite of the motion in a dense pressure gradient, the photo-ionized ions inside the gas cell are ejected with an assisting force gas jet and successfully transported to a high-vacuum region via SPIG followed by a quadrupole mass separator. Observed behaviors agree with the results of gas flow and Monte Carlo simulations.

A rotational band with five $\gamma$-ray transitions ranging from 2$^{+}$ to 12$^{+}$ states was identified in $^{40}$Ar. This band is linked through $\gamma$ transitions from the excited 2$^{+}$, 4$^{+}$ and 6$^{+}$ levels to the low-lying states; this determines the excitation energy and the spin-parity of the band. The deduced transition quadrupole moment of 1.45$^{+0.49}_{-0.31} eb$ indicates that the band has a superdeformed shape. The nature of the band is revealed by cranked Hartree--Fock--Bogoliubov calculations and a multiparticle--multihole configuration is assigned to the band.