Search

The reduced transition probability B(E2;0(+) -> 2(+)) has been measured for the neutron-rich nucleus Ni-74 in an intermediate energy Coulomb excitation experiment performed at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory at Michigan State University. The obtained B(E2;0(+) -> 2(+)) = 642(-226)(+216) e(2) fm(4) value defines a trend which is unexpectedly small if referred to Ni-70 and to a previous indirect determination of the transition strength in Ni-74. This indicates a reduced polarization of the Z = 28 core by the valence neutrons. Calculations in the pfgd model space reproduce well the experimental result indicating that the B(E2) strength predominantly corresponds to neutron excitations. The ratio of the neutron and proton multipole matrix elements supports such an interpretation.

The study of the collective properties of nuclear excitations far from stability provides information about the shell structure at extreme conditions. Spectroscopic ob- servables such as the energy or the transition probabilities of the lowest states, in nuclei with large neutron excess, allow to probe the density and isospin dependence of the ef- fective interaction. Indeed, it was recently shown that tensor and three-body forces play an important role in breaking and creating magic numbers. Emblematic is the case of the evolution of the Ni isotopic chain where several features showed up moving from the most neutron rich stable isotope ( 64 Ni) towards the 78 Ni nucleus where the large neutron excess coincides with a double shell closure. In this framework, we have recently per- formed an experiment with the goal to extract the B(E2; 0 + ! 2 + ) value for the 74 Ni nucleus in an intermediate-energy Coulomb excitation experiment: preliminary results are discussed.

Comprehensive spectroscopy of the N = 29 nucleus 47Ar is presented, based on two complemen-tary direct reaction mechanisms: one-neutron pickup onto 46Ar projectiles and one-proton removal from the 1− ground state of 48K. The results are compared to shell-model calculations that use the state-of-the-art SDPF-U and SDPF-MU effective interactions. Also, from the 9Be(46Cl,45S+γ)X one-proton removal reaction, we report the first γ-ray transitions observed from 45S. Using compar-isons with shell-model calculations, and from the observed intensities and energy sums, we propose a first tentative level scheme for 45S.

Sensitive searches for exotic scalar and tensor couplings in nuclear and neutron decays involve precision measurements of the shape of the β-energy spectrum. We have performed a high statistics measurement of the β-energy spectrum in the allowed Gamow-Teller decay of 6He with the aim to first find evidence of the contribution due to the weak magnetism form factor. We review here the motivation, describe the principle of the measurement, summarize the theoretical corrections to the allowed phase space, and anticipate the expected statistical precision.

Low-lying excited states of the neutron-rich calcium isotopes $^{48-52}$Ca have been studied via $\gamma$-ray spectroscopy following inverse-kinematics proton scattering on a liquid hydrogen target using the GRETINA $\gamma$-ray tracking array. The energies and strengths of the octupole states in these isotopes are remarkably constant, indicating that these states are dominated by proton excitations., Comment: 15 pages, 3 figures

The structure of $^{35}$P was studied with a one-proton knockout reaction at88~MeV/u from a $^{36}$S projectile beam at NSCL. The $\gamma$ rays from thedepopulation of excited states in $^{35}$P were detected with GRETINA, whilethe $^{35}$P nuclei were identified event-by-event in the focal plane of theS800 spectrograph. The level scheme of $^{35}$P was deduced up to 7.5 MeV using$\gamma-\gamma$ coincidences. The observed levels were attributed to protonremovals from the $sd$-shell and also from the deeply-bound $p\_{1/2}$ orbital.The orbital angular momentum of each state was derived from the comparisonbetween experimental and calculated shapes of individual ($\gamma$-gated)parallel momentum distributions. Despite the use of different reactions andtheir associate models, spectroscopic factors, $C^2S$, derived from the$^{36}$S $(-1p)$ knockout reaction agree with those obtained earlier from$^{36}$S($d$,\nuc{3}{He}) transfer, if a reduction factor $R\_s$, as deducedfrom inclusive one-nucleon removal cross sections, is applied to the knockout transitions.In addition to the expected proton-hole configurations, other states were observedwith individual cross sections of the order of 0.5~mb. Based on their shiftedparallel momentum distributions, their decay modes to negative parity states,their high excitation energy (around 4.7~MeV) and the fact that they were notobserved in the ($d$,\nuc{3}{He}) reaction, we propose that they may resultfrom a two-step mechanism or a nucleon-exchange reaction with subsequent neutronevaporation. Regardless of the mechanism, that could not yet be clarified, thesestates likely correspond to neutron core excitations in \nuc{35}{P}. Thisnewly-identified pathway, although weak, offers the possibility to selectivelypopulate certain intruder configurations that are otherwise hard to produceand identify., Comment: 5 figures, 1 table, accepted for publication in Physical Review C

There is significant evidence supporting the existence of deformed ground states within the neutron-rich N≈20 neon, sodium, and magnesium isotopes that make up what is commonly called the "island of inversion." However, the rotational band structures, which are a characteristic fingerprint of a rigid nonspherical shape, have yet to be observed. In this work, we report on a measurement and analysis of the yrast (lowest lying) rotational band in Mg32 up to spin I=6+ produced in a two-step projectile fragmentation reaction and observed using the state-of-the-art γ-ray tracking detector array, GRETINA (γ-ray energy tracking in-beam nuclear array). Large-scale shell-model calculations using the SDPF-U-MIX effective interaction show excellent agreement with the new data. Moreover, a theoretical analysis of the spectrum of rotational states as a function of the pairing gap, together with cranked-shell-model calculations, provides intriguing evidence for a reduction in pairing correlations with increased angular momentum, also in line with the shell-model results, This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Nuclear Physics under Contracts No. DE-AC02-05CH11231 (LBNL) and No. DE-AC02-06CH11357 (ANL), by the Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration under Award No. DE-NA0000979 and the National Science Foundation (NSF) under PHY-1102511. GRETINA was funded by the U.S. DOE Office of Science. Operation of the array at NSCL is supported by NSF under Cooperative Agreement PHY11-02511 (NSCL) and DOE under Grant No. DE-AC02- 05CH11231 (LBNL). A.P. is partly supported by MINECO (Spain) Grant FPA2014-57196 and Programme “Centros de Excelencia Severo Ochoa” SEV-2012-0249

The highly selective, intermediate-energy heavy-ion-induced neutron-pickup reaction, in combination with γ-ray spectroscopy using the γ-ray energy-tracking in-beam nuclear array (GRETINA), is shown to provide reliable relative spectroscopic strengths for high-l orbitals in nuclei more neutron rich than the projectile. The reaction mechanism gives a significant final-state-spin alignment that is validated through γ-ray angular-distribution measurements enabled by the position sensitivity of GRETINA. This is the first time that γ-ray angular distributions could be extracted from a high-luminosity, fast-beam reaction other than inelastic scattering. This holds great promise for the restriction and assignment of Jπ quantum numbers in exotic nuclei. We advance this approach to study the crucial N=28 shell closure and extract the ratio g9/2:f5/2 of bound neutron single-particle strengths in Ca49, a benchmark for emerging multi-shell ab initio and configuration-interaction theories that are applicable along the Ca isotopic chain.

Background: The study of excited states in mirror nuclei allows us to extract information on charge-dependent (i.e., isospin-nonconserving) interactions in nuclei. Purpose: To extend previous studies of mirror nuclei in the f7/2 region, investigating charge symmetry breaking of the strong nuclear force. Methods: γ-ray spectroscopy has been performed for the mirror (Tz= ±3/2) pair 53Ni and 53Mn, produced via mirrored one-nucleon knockout reactions. Results: Several new transitions have been identified in 53Ni from which a new level scheme has been constructed. Cross sections for knockout have been analyzed and compared with reaction model calculations where evidence is found for knockout from high-spin isomeric states. Mirror energy differences between isobaric analog states have been computed, compared to large scale shell-model calculations, and interpreted in terms of isospin-nonconserving effects. In addition, lifetimes for the long-lived J π = 5 /2 − 1 analog states in both 53Mn and 53Ni have been extracted through lineshape analysis, giving half-lives of t1/2 = 120 (14) ps and t1/2 = 198 (12) ps,respectively. Conclusions: The inclusion of a set of isovector isospin-nonconserving matrix elements to the shell-model calculations gave the best agreement with the experimental data.

The neutron-deficient nucleus Sn 107 has been studied by using the one-neutron knockout reaction. By measuring the decay γ rays and momentum distributions of reaction residues, the spins of the ground, 5/2 + , and first-excited, 7/2 + , states of Sn 107 have been assigned by comparisons to eikonal-model reaction calculations. Limits on the inclusive and exclusive cross sections have been measured and transitions due to neutron removals from below the N=50 closed shell have been observed. New excited states up to 5.5 MeV in Sn 107 have been identified.

Background: Neutron-rich, even-mass chromium and iron isotopes approaching neutron number $N=40$ have been important benchmarks in the development of shell-model effective interactions incorporating the effects of shell evolution in the exotic regime. Odd-mass manganese nuclei have received less attention, but provide important and complementary sensitivity to these interactions.Purpose: We report the observation of two new $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray transitions in $^{63}\mathrm{Mn}$, which establish the $(9/{2}^{\ensuremath{-}})$ and $(11/{2}^{\ensuremath{-}})$ levels on top of the previously known $(7/{2}^{\ensuremath{-}})$ first-excited state. The lifetime for the $(7/{2}^{\ensuremath{-}})$ and $(9/{2}^{\ensuremath{-}})$ excited states were determined for the first time, while an upper limit could be established for the $(11/{2}^{\ensuremath{-}})$ level.Method: Excited states in $^{63}\mathrm{Mn}$ have been populated in inelastic scattering from a $^{9}\mathrm{Be}$ target and in the fragmentation of $^{65}\mathrm{Fe}$. $\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ coincidence relationships were used to establish the decay level scheme. A Doppler line-shape analysis for the Doppler-broadened $(7/{2}^{\ensuremath{-}})\ensuremath{\rightarrow}5/{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, $(9/{2}^{\ensuremath{-}})\ensuremath{\rightarrow}(7/{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}),$ and $(11/{2}^{\ensuremath{-}})\ensuremath{\rightarrow}(9/{2}^{\ensuremath{-}})$ transitions was used to determine (limits for) the corresponding excited-state lifetimes.Results: The low-lying level scheme and the excited-state lifetimes were compared with large-scale shell-model calculations using different model spaces and effective interactions in order to isolate important aspects of shell evolution in this region of structural change.Conclusions: While the theoretical $(7/{2}^{\ensuremath{-}})$ and $(9/{2}^{\ensuremath{-}})$ excitation energies show little dependence on the model space, the calculated lifetime of the $(7/{2}^{\ensuremath{-}})$ level and calculated energy of the $(11/{2}^{\ensuremath{-}})$ level reveal the importance of including the neutron ${g}_{9/2}$ and ${d}_{5/2}$ orbitals in the model space. The LNPS effective shell-model interaction provides the best overall agreement with the new data.

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 experiment was performed at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL), at Michigan State University (USA).; We report on the first γ spectroscopy of 66Se and 65As from two-neutron removal at intermediate beam energies. The deduced excitation energies for the first-excited states in 66Se and 65As are compared to mean-field-based predictions within a collective Hamiltonian formalism using the Gogny D1S effective interaction and to state-of-the-art shell-model calculations restricted to the pf5/2 g9/2 valence space. The obtained Coulomb-energy differences for the first excited states in 66Se and 65As are discussed within the shell-model formalism to assess the shape-coexistence picture for both nuclei. Our results support a favored oblate ground-state deformation in 66Se and 65As. A shape transition for the ground state of even-odd As isotopes from oblate in 65As to prolate in 67,69,71As is suggested.

We report on the construction and commissioning of the high-efficiency CAESium-iodide scintillator ARray CAESAR, a device designed for in-beam γ ‐ray spectroscopy experiments utilizing fast beams of rare isotopes at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL) at Michigan State University (MSU). CAESAR consists of 192 CsI(Na) crystals, totaling 290 kg of active scintillator material. For 1 MeV γ rays, a full-energy-peak efficiency of 35% is achieved at an in-beam energy resolution of better than 10% FWHM after event-by-event Doppler reconstruction of the γ rays emitted by nuclei moving with velocities of v / c ∼ 0.3 – 0.4 . The spectral quality of the array allows for the identification of γ ‐ray transitions with intensities of several 10 counts in the full-energy peak and thus opens new avenues for the study of the most exotic nuclei available at the NSCL for in-beam spectroscopy.

We report on the first in-beam $\gamma$-ray spectroscopy of \nuc{23}{Al} using two different reactions at intermediate beam energies: inelastic scattering off \nuc{9}{Be} and heavy-ion induced one-proton pickup, \nuc{9}{Be}(\nuc{22}{Mg},\nuc{23}{Al}$+\gamma$)X, at 75.1 MeV/nucleon. A $\gamma$-ray transition at 1616(8) keV -- exceeding the proton separation energy by 1494 keV -- was observed in both reactions. From shell model and proton decay calculations we argue that this $\gamma$-ray decay proceeds from the core-excited $7/2^+$ state to the $5/2^+$ ground state of \nuc{23}{Al}. The proposed nature of this state, $[\nuc{22}{Mg}(2^+_1) \otimes \pi d_{5/2}]_{7/2+}$, is consistent with the presence of a gamma-branch and with the population of this state in the two reactions., Comment: Physics Letters B, accepted

The scintillator material LaBr 3 :Ce, which was discovered in 2001, has grown in popularity for a variety of applications in homeland security and nuclear medicine. In this paper we investigate its use for nuclear science spectroscopy applications in the context of in-beam gamma-ray spectroscopy with fast ion beams. In such experiments, the Doppler broadening of the gamma-ray line measured with a finite-size detector in the laboratory fundamentally limits the achievable energy resolution. For a typical experiment this effect is of the order of 3%. With the intrinsic energy resolution of LaBr 3 :Ce better than 3% FWHM at 662 keV, and its favorable stopping power, it could be a nearly ideal scintillator for gamma-ray spectroscopy applications with fast beams. Results from in-beam gamma-ray spectroscopy measurements using two LaBr 3 :Ce scintillators are presented and compared to results from segmented germanium detectors. Results from these measurements suggest that LaBr 3 :Ce based scintillation arrays can provide a viable tool for many experiments. Additionally, we show that the excellent timing properties of LaBr 3 :Ce can significantly reduce background events in the gamma-ray spectra.

Excited states have been studied in $^{28}\mathrm{Na}$ using the $\ensuremath{\beta}$-decay of implanted $^{28}\mathrm{Ne}$ ions at the Grand Acc\'el\'erateur National d'Ions Lourds/LISE as well as the in-beam $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray spectroscopy at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory/S800 facility. New states of positive $({J}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}={3}^{+},{4}^{+})$ and negative $({J}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}={1}^{\ensuremath{-}}--{5}^{\ensuremath{-}})$ parity are proposed. The former arise from the coupling between $0{d}_{5/2}$ protons and $0{d}_{3/2}$ neutrons, while the latter are attributable to couplings of $0{d}_{5/2}$ protons with $1{p}_{3/2}$ or $0{f}_{7/2}$ neutrons. While the relative energies between the ${J}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}={1}^{+}--{4}^{+}$ states are well reproduced with the USDA interaction in the $N=17$ isotones, a progressive shift in the ground-state binding energy (by about 500 keV) is observed between $^{26}\mathrm{F}$ and $^{30}\mathrm{Al}$. This points to a possible change in the proton-neutron $0{d}_{5/2}\text{\ensuremath{-}}0{d}_{3/2}$ effective interaction when moving from stability to the drip line. The presence of ${J}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}={1}^{\ensuremath{-}}--{4}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ negative-parity states around 1.5 MeV as well as of a candidate for a ${J}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}={5}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ state around 2.5 MeV give further support to the collapse of the $N=20$ gap and to the inversion between the neutron $0{f}_{7/2}$ and $1{p}_{3/2}$ levels below $Z=12$. These features are discussed in the framework of shell-model and energy-density-functional calculations, leading to predicted negative-parity states in the low-energy spectra of the $^{26}\mathrm{F}$ and $^{25}\mathrm{O}$ nuclei.

The odd–odd nucleus 30Na is studied via a one-proton, one-proton–one-neutron and one-neutron removal reaction using an intermediate-energy 31Mg, 32Mg and 31Na radioactive ion beam, respectively. Combining high-resolution γ-ray spectroscopy with the selectivity of the three reaction mechanisms, we are able to distinguish multiple particle–hole configurations. Negative-parity states in 30Na are observed for the first time, providing an important measure of the excitation of the 1p1h/3p3h configuration and hence the sd–pf shell gap. The extracted band structures and level energies serve as invaluable input for the theoretical refinement of the effective interactions used in this region.

Background: In neutron-rich nuclei around $N=40$ rapid changes in nuclear structure can be observed. While $^{68}\mathrm{Ni}$ exhibits signatures of a doubly magic nucleus, experimental data along the isotopic chains in even more exotic Fe and Cr isotopes---such as excitation energies and transition strengths---suggest a sudden rise in collectivity toward $N=40$.Purpose: Reduced quadrupole transition strengths for low-lying transitions in neutron-rich $^{58,60,62}\mathrm{Cr}$ are investigated. This gives quantitative new insights into the evolution of quadrupole collectivity in the neutron-rich region close to $N=40$.Method: The recoil distance Doppler-shift (RDDS) technique was applied to measure lifetimes of low-lying states in $^{58,60,62}\mathrm{Cr}$. The experiment was carried out at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL) with the SeGA array in a plunger configuration coupled to the S800 magnetic spectrograph. The states of interest were populated by means of one-proton knockout reactions.Results: Data reveal a rapid increase in quadrupole collectivity for $^{58,60,62}\mathrm{Cr}$ toward $N=40$ and point to stronger quadrupole deformations compared to neighboring Fe isotopes. The experimental $B(E2$) values are reproduced well with state-of-the-art shell-model calculations using the LNPS effective interaction. A consideration of intrinsic quadrupole moments and ${\mathrm{B}}_{42}$ ratios suggest an evolution toward a rotational nature of the collective structures in $^{60,62}\mathrm{Cr}$. Compared to $^{58}\mathrm{Cr}$, experimental ${\mathrm{B}}_{42}$ and ${\mathrm{B}}_{62}$ values for $^{60}\mathrm{Cr}$ are in better agreement with the $E(5)$ limit.Conclusion: Our results indicate that collective excitations in neutron-rich Cr isotopes saturate at $N=38$, which is in agreement with theoretical predictions. More detailed experimental data of excited structures and interband transitions are needed for a comprehensive understanding of quadrupole collectivity close to $N=40$. This calls for additional measurements in neutron-rich Cr and neighboring Ti and Fe nuclei.

The lifetimes of the first excited 2^{+} and 4^{+} states in ^{72}Ni were measured at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory with the recoil-distance Doppler-shift method, a model-independent probe to obtain the reduced transition probability. Excited states in ^{72}Ni were populated by the one-proton knockout reaction of an intermediate energy ^{73}Cu beam. γ-ray-recoil coincidences were detected with the γ-ray tracking array GRETINA and the S800 spectrograph. Our results provide evidence of enhanced transition probability B(E2;2^{+}→0^{+}) as compared to ^{68}Ni, but do not confirm the trend of large B(E2) values reported in the neighboring isotope ^{70}Ni obtained from Coulomb excitation measurement. The results are compared to shell model calculations. The lifetime obtained for the excited 4_{1}^{+} state is consistent with models showing decay of a seniority ν=4, 4^{+} state, which is consistent with the disappearance of the 8^{+} isomer in ^{72}Ni.

Author(s): Henry, TW; Bentley, MA; Clark, RM; Davies, PJ; Bader, VM; Baugher, T; Bazin, D; Beausang, CW; Berryman, JS; Bruce, AM; Campbell, CM; Crawford, HL; Cromaz, M; Fallon, P; Gade, A; Henderson, J; Iwasaki, H; Jenkins, DG; Lee, IY; Lemasson, A; Lenzi, SM; Macchiavelli, AO; Napoli, DR; Nichols, AJ; Paschalis, S; Petri, M; Recchia, F; Rissanen, J; Simpson, EC; Stroberg, SR; Wadsworth, R; Weisshaar, D; Wiens, A; Walz, C | Abstract: Background: Triplet energy differences (TED) can be studied to yield information on isospin-non-conserving interactions in nuclei. Purpose: The systematic behavior of triplet energy differences (TED) of T=1, Jπ=2+ states is examined. The A=62 isobar is identified as having a TED value that deviates significantly from an otherwise very consistent trend. This deviation can be attributed to the tentative assignments of the pertinent states in Ga62 and Ge62. Methods: An in-beam γ-ray spectroscopy experiment was performed to identify excited states in Ga62 using Gamma-Ray Energy Tracking In-Beam Nuclear Array with the S800 spectrometer at NSCL using a two-nucleon knockout approach. Cross-section calculations for the knockout process and shell-model calculations have been performed to interpret the population and decay properties observed. Results: Using the systematics as a guide, a candidate for the transition from the T=1, 2+ state is identified. However, previous work has identified similar states with different Jπ assignments. Cross-section calculations indicate that the relevant T=1, 2+ state should be one of the states directly populated in this reaction. Conclusions: As spins and parities were not measurable, it is concluded that an unambiguous identification of the first T=1, 2+ state is required to reconcile our understanding of TED systematics.

Background: Stellar electron-capture reactions on medium-heavy nuclei are important for many astrophysical phenomena, including core-collapse and thermonuclear supernov\ae{} and neutron stars. Estimates of electron-capture rates rely on accurate estimates of Gamow-Teller strength distributions, which can be extracted from charge-exchange reactions at intermediate beam energies. Measured Gamow-Teller transition strength distributions for stable pf-shell nuclei are reasonably well reproduced by theoretical calculations in the shell model, except for lower mass nuclei where admixtures from the sd shell can become important.Purpose: This paper presents a ${\ensuremath{\beta}}^{+}$ charge-exchange experiment on $^{45}\mathrm{Sc}$, one of the lightest pf-shell nuclei. The focus was on Gamow-Teller transitions to final states at low excitation energies, which are particularly important for accurate estimations of electron-capture rates at relatively low stellar densities. The experimental results are compared with various theoretical models.Method: The double-differential cross section for the $^{45}\mathrm{Sc}(t,^{3}\mathrm{He}+\ensuremath{\gamma})$ reaction was measured using the NSCL Coupled-Cyclotron Facility at $115\phantom{\rule{4pt}{0ex}}\mathrm{MeV}/u$. Gamow-Teller contributions to the excitation-energy spectra were extracted by means of a multipole-decomposition analysis. $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays emitted due to the deexcitation of $^{45}\mathrm{Ca}$ were measured using GRETINA to allow for the extraction of Gamow-Teller strengths from very weak transitions at low excitation energies.Results: Gamow-Teller transition strengths to $^{45}\mathrm{Ca}$ were extracted up to an excitation energy of 20 MeV, and that to the first excited state in $^{45}\mathrm{Ca}$ at 174 keV was extracted from the $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray measurement, which, even though weak, is important for the astrophysical applications and dominates under certain stellar conditions. Shell-model calculations performed in the pf shell-model space with the GXPF1A, KB3G, and FPD6 interactions did not reproduce the experimental Gamow-Teller strength distribution, and a calculation using the quasiparticle random phase approximation that is often used in astrophysical simulations also could not reproduce the experimental strength distribution.Conclusions: Theoretical models aimed at describing Gamow-Teller transition strengths from nuclei in the lower pf shell for the purpose of estimating electron-capture rates for astrophysical simulations require further development. The likely cause for the relatively poor performance of the shell-model theory is the influence of intruder configurations from the sd shell. The combination of charge-exchange experiments at intermediate beam energy and high-resolution $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray detection provides a powerful technique to identify weak transitions to low-lying final states that are nearly impossible to identify without the coincidences. Identification of these weak low-lying transitions is important for providing accurate electron-capture rates for astrophysical simulations.

International audience; Analyses of data from both deep inelastic reactions at Argonne National Laboratory and single-and multiple-particle knockout reactions at Michigan State University revealed new gamma-ray transitions in even-even Ni-66,68,70,72(38,40,42,44) and in Co-67(40) that provide strong evidence for multiple shape coexistence at N = 38 and 40 and deep prolate minima in Ni-70(42) and isotonic Cu-71(42). A new transition at 642 keV is proposed for Ni-66 as the prolate 2(+) to 0(+) transition. Two new transitions in Ni-72 at 915 and 1225 keV were identified in the knock-out reaction study and could represent de-population of prolate states. Taken together with recent theoretical work using the Monte Carlo shell model, a well defined region of shape coexistence can be seen existing precisely between 38

The first lifetime measurement used to study the magnetic response of halo nuclei is presented. The lifetime of the first excited state of the one-neutron halo nucleus 19C has been measured by two complementary Doppler-shift techniques with the Gamma-Ray Energy Tracking In-beam Nuclear Array (GRETINA). The B(M1; 3/2+ →1/2+g.s.) strength of 3.21(25)×10−3μ2 N determined for this decay represents a strongly hindered M1 transition among light nuclei. Shell-model calculations predict a strong hindrance due to the near-degeneracy of the s1/2 and d5/2 orbitals among neutron-rich carbon isotopes, while tensor corrections and loosely bound effects are necessary to account for the remaining strength.

The structure of semi-magic Ni-70(28)42 was investigated following complementary multinucleon-transfer and secondary fragmentation reactions. Changes to the higher-spin, presumed negative-parity states based on observed gamma-ray coincidence relationships result in better agreement with shell-model calculations using effective interactions in the neutron f(5/2)pg(9/2) model space. The second 2(+) and (4(+)) states, however, can only be successfully described when proton excitations across the Z = 28 shell gap are included. Monte Carlo shell-model calculations suggest that the latter two states are part of a prolate-deformed intruder sequence, establishing an instance of shape coexistence at low excitation energies similar to that observed recently in neighboring Ni-68.

Lifetimes of low-lying excited states have been measured in $^{66}\mathrm{Ge},^{69}\mathrm{Se}$, and $^{65}\mathrm{Ga}$ using a $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray lineshape method. The results confirm the previously reported ${7}_{1}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ state lifetime in $^{66}\mathrm{Ge}$. The lifetime of the yrast $5/{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ state in $^{65}\mathrm{Ga}$ is measured for the first time. Lifetime measurements of two excited $3/{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ states in $^{69}\mathrm{Se}$ are also reported. Two previously unobserved $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays have been identified in $^{69}\mathrm{Se}$. $\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ coincidence measurements have been used to place one of these in the level scheme. $^{69}\mathrm{Se}$ excited state populations are compared to shell-model calculations using the GXPF1A interaction in the $\mathit{fp}$ model space. Theoretical spectroscopic factors to excited states in $^{69}\mathrm{Se}$ have identified three candidate levels for the origin of one of the new transitions.

The tin chain of isotopes provides a unique region in which to investigate the evolution of single-particle structure, spreading from N = 50 at 100Sn, through 10 stable isotopes and the N = 82 shell closure at 132Sn out into the r-process path. Direct reactions performed on radioactive ion beams are sensitive spectroscopic tools for studying exotic nuclei. Here we present one experiment knocking out neutrons from tin isotopes that are already neutron deficient and two reactions that add a neutron to neutron-rich 130Sn. Both techniques rely on selective particle identification and the measurement of γ rays in coincidence with charged ions. We present the goals of the two experiments and the particle identification for the channels of interest. The final results will be presented in future publications.

Shell evolution is studied in the neutron-rich silicon isotopes 36,38,40 Si using neutron single-particle strengths deduced from one-neutron knockout reactions. Configurations involving neutron excita- tions across the N = 20 and N = 28 shell gaps are quantified experimentally in these rare isotopes. Comparisons with shell model calculations show that the tensor force, understood to drive the col- lective behavior in 42 Si with N = 28, is already important in determining the structure of 40 Si with N = 26. New data relating to cross-shell excitations provide the first quantitative support for repulsive contributions to the cross-shell T = 1 interaction arising from three-nucleon forces.

The Germanium Detector Array (GERDA) in the search for neutrinoless ββ decays of 76Ge at LNGS will operate bare germanium diodes enriched in 76Ge in an (optional active) cryogenic fluid shield to investigate neutrinoless ββ decay with a sensitivity of T 1/2 > 2 × 1026 yr after an exposure of 100 kg yr. Recent progress includes the installation of the first underground infrastructures at Gran Sasso, the completion of the enrichment of 37.5 kg of germanium material for detector construction, prototyping of low-mass detector support and contacts, and front-end and DAQ electronics, as well as the preparation for construction of the cryogenic vessel and water tank.

Sirolimus was introduced in de novo immunosuppression at Stanford University in view of its favorable effects on reduced rejection and cardiac allograft vasculopathy. After an apparent increase in the incidence of post-surgical wound complications as well as symptomatic pleural and pericardial effusions, we reverted to a mycophenolate mofetil (MMF)-based regimen. This retrospective study compared the outcome in heart transplant recipients on sirolimus (48 patients) with those on MMF (46 patients) in de novo immunosuppressive regimen. The incidence of any post-surgical wound complication (52% vs. 28%, p=0.019) and deep surgical wound complication (35% vs. 13%, p=0.012) was significantly higher in patients on sirolimus than on MMF. More patients on sirolimus also had symptomatic pleural (p=0.035) and large pericardial effusions (p=0.033) requiring intervention. Logistic regression analysis showed sirolimus (p=0.027) and longer cardiac bypass time (OR=1.011; p=0.048) as risk factors for any wound complication. Sirolimus in de novo immunosuppression after cardiac transplantation was associated with a significant increase in the incidence of post-surgical wound healing complications as well as symptomatic pleural and pericardial effusions.

The Radioactive beam EXperiment (REX) at CERN-ISOLDE has been commissioned and the first experiments successfully completed during 2002 and 2003. The concept used for post-acceleration has proven to be flexible and the experimental program has therefore been extended during the past year. This paper relays some experiences drawn from using the machine in the current program and also conveys some plans for the future.

The reduced transition probability $B(E2;{0}^{+}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{2}^{+})$ has been measured for the neutron-rich nucleus $^{74}\mathrm{Ni}$ in an intermediate energy Coulomb excitation experiment performed at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory at Michigan State University. The obtained $B(E2;{0}^{+}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{2}^{+})=64{2}_{\ensuremath{-}226}^{+216}\text{ }\text{ }{e}^{2}\text{ }{\mathrm{fm}}^{4}$ value defines a trend which is unexpectedly small if referred to $^{70}\mathrm{Ni}$ and to a previous indirect determination of the transition strength in $^{74}\mathrm{Ni}$. This indicates a reduced polarization of the $Z=28$ core by the valence neutrons. Calculations in the $pfgd$ model space reproduce well the experimental result indicating that the $B(E2)$ strength predominantly corresponds to neutron excitations. The ratio of the neutron and proton multipole matrix elements supports such an interpretation.

The lifetimes of the yrast ${8}^{+}$ and ${9}^{+}$ states of $^{70}\mathrm{As}$ have been measured via the $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray lineshape method following population by the ${}^{9}\mathrm{Be}\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}{(}^{78}\mathrm{Rb},{}^{70}\mathrm{As})$ reaction at 101.6 MeV/nucleon. The strength of the $E1\phantom{\rule{0.28em}{0ex}}{8}^{+}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{7}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ transition is found to be $B(E1)=1.3(5)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}5} {e}^{2}\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}{\text{fm}}^{2}$ or $1.2(4)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}5}$ Weisskopf units (W.u.) while the ${9}^{+}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{8}^{+} M1$ transition is found to have a strength of $B(M1)=1.5(8) {\ensuremath{\mu}}_{N}^{2}$ or $0.85(42)$ W.u. The implications for the structure of these states is discussed and found to be consistent with an assignment to a $\ensuremath{\pi}{g}_{9/2}\ensuremath{\nu}{g}_{9/2}$ configuration.

The structure of the neutron-rich silicon isotopes Si36,38,40 was studied by one-neutron and one-proton knockout reactions at intermediate beam energies. We construct level schemes for the knockout residues Si35,37,39 and Al35,37,39 and compare knockout cross sections to the predictions of an eikonal model in conjunction with large-scale shell-model calculations. The agreement of these calculations with the present experiment lends support to the microscopic explanation of the enhanced collectivity in the region of Si42. We also present an empirical method for reproducing the observed low-momentum tails in the parallel momentum distributions of knockout residues.

We have performed measurements of the ${0}_{\mathrm{g}.\mathrm{s}.}^{+}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{2}_{1}^{+}$ excitations in the neutron-rich isotopes $^{48,50}\mathrm{Ca}$ via inelastic proton scattering on a liquid hydrogen target, using the GRETINA $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray tracking array. A comparison of the present results with those from previous measurements of the lifetimes of the ${2}_{1}^{+}$ states provides the ratio of the neutron and proton matrix elements for the ${0}_{\mathrm{g}.\mathrm{s}.}^{+}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{2}_{1}^{+}$ transitions. These results allow the determination of the ratio of the proton and neutron effective charges to be used in shell model calculations of neutron-rich isotopes in the vicinity of $^{48}\mathrm{Ca}$.

An approach is presented to experimentally constrain previously unreachable (p, γ) reaction rates on nuclei far from stability in the astrophysical rp process. Energies of all critical resonances in the (57)Cu(p,γ)(58)Zn reaction are deduced by populating states in (58)Zn with a (d, n) reaction in inverse kinematics at 75 MeV/u, and detecting γ-ray-recoil coincidences with the state-of-the-art γ-ray tracking array GRETINA and the S800 spectrograph at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory. The results reduce the uncertainty in the (57)Cu(p,γ) reaction rate by several orders of magnitude. The effective lifetime of (56)Ni, an important waiting point in the rp process in x-ray bursts, can now be determined entirely from experimentally constrained reaction rates.

The Gamow-Teller strength in the β(+) direction to (46)Sc was extracted via the (46)Ti(t,(3)He + γ) reaction at 115 MeV/u. The γ-ray coincidences served to precisely measure the very weak Gamow-Teller transition to a final state at 991 keV. Although this transition is weak, it is crucial for accurately estimating electron-capture rates in astrophysical scenarios with relatively low stellar densities and temperatures, such as presupernova stellar evolution. Shell-model calculations with different effective interactions in the pf shell-model space do not reproduce the experimental Gamow-Teller strengths, which is likely due to sd-shell admixtures. Calculations in the quasiparticle random phase approximation that are often used in astrophysical simulations also fail to reproduce the experimental Gamow-Teller strength distribution, leading to strongly overestimated electron-capture rates. Because reliable theoretical predictions of Gamow-Teller strengths are important for providing astrophysical electron-capture reaction rates for a broad set of nuclei in the lower pf shell, we conclude that further theoretical improvements are required to match astrophysical needs.

The reduced transition probability B(E2;0(+)→2(+)) has been measured for the neutron-rich nucleus (74)Ni in an intermediate energy Coulomb excitation experiment performed at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory at Michigan State University. The obtained B(E2;0(+)→2(+))=642(-226)(+216) e(2) fm(4) value defines a trend which is unexpectedly small if referred to (70)Ni and to a previous indirect determination of the transition strength in (74)Ni. This indicates a reduced polarization of the Z=28 core by the valence neutrons. Calculations in the pfgd model space reproduce well the experimental result indicating that the B(E2) strength predominantly corresponds to neutron excitations. The ratio of the neutron and proton multipole matrix elements supports such an interpretation.

The transition rates from the yrast ${2}^{+}$ and ${4}^{+}$ states in the self-conjugate $^{72}\mathrm{Kr}$ 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 ${4}^{+}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{2}^{+}$ transition suggests a prolate character of the excited states. The reduced collectivity previously reported for the ${2}^{+}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{0}^{+}$ transition was confirmed. The irregular behavior of collectivity points to the occurrence of a rapid oblate-prolate shape transition in $^{72}\mathrm{Kr}$, providing stringent tests for advanced theories to describe the shape coexistence and its evolution.

The Gamow-Teller strength in the β(+) direction to (46)Sc was extracted via the (46)Ti(t,(3)He + γ) reaction at 115 MeV/u. The γ-ray coincidences served to precisely measure the very weak Gamow-Teller transition to a final state at 991 keV. Although this transition is weak, it is crucial for accurately estimating electron-capture rates in astrophysical scenarios with relatively low stellar densities and temperatures, such as presupernova stellar evolution. Shell-model calculations with different effective interactions in the pf shell-model space do not reproduce the experimental Gamow-Teller strengths, which is likely due to sd-shell admixtures. Calculations in the quasiparticle random phase approximation that are often used in astrophysical simulations also fail to reproduce the experimental Gamow-Teller strength distribution, leading to strongly overestimated electron-capture rates. Because reliable theoretical predictions of Gamow-Teller strengths are important for providing astrophysical electron-capture reaction rates for a broad set of nuclei in the lower pf shell, we conclude that further theoretical improvements are required to match astrophysical needs.

The level structure of neutron-deficient 58 Zn has been extracted experimen- tally. This nucleus is important for the rapid proton-capture process. 58 Zn was produced by using a (d,n)-type transfer reaction on 57 Cu in inverse kinematics at beam energies of 75 MeV/u. Several -ray transitions have been identified. The experiment utilized the state-of-the-art GRETINA -ray energy tracking array in conjunction with the large- acceptance spectrometer S800 at NSCL. The excitation energies of the identified low- lying states in 58 Zn are important for constraining the 57 Cu(p, ) 58 Zn reaction rate under X-ray burst conditions.

The 9Be(28Mg,27Na) one-proton removal reaction with a large proton separation energy of Sp(28Mg)=16.79 MeV is studied at intermediate beam energy. Coincidences of the bound 27Na residues with protons and other light charged particles are measured. These data are analyzed to determine the percentage contributions to the proton removal cross section from the elastic and inelastic nucleon removal mechanisms. These deduced contributions are compared with the eikonal reaction model predictions and with the previously measured data for reactions involving the re- moval of more weakly-bound protons from lighter nuclei. The role of transitions of the proton between different bound single-particle configurations upon the elastic breakup cross section is also quantified in this well-bound case. The measured and calculated elastic breakup fractions are found to be in good agreement., Comment: Phys. Rev. C 2014 (accepted)

Transition strengths for decays from low-lying states in A ∼ 70 nuclei have been deduced from lifetime measurements using the recoil distance Doppler shift technique. The results confirm the collectivity previously reported for the 21+→0gs+ decay in 68 Se and reveal a relative decrease in collectivity in 70 Br. This trend is reproduced by shell model calculations using the GXPF1A interaction in an fp model space including the Coulomb, spin-orbit and isospin non-conserving interactions. The 31+→21+ decay in 70 Br is found to have a very small B(M1) value, which is consistent with the configuration of the state being dominated by the coupling of f52 protons and neutrons. The results suggest that the g92 orbit does not play an important role at low spin in these nuclei. The B(E2) values for the decays of the (T = 1) 21+ states in 70 Br and 70 Se are almost identical, suggesting there is no major shape change between the two nuclei at low spin.

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.

We report on the experimental study of quadrupole collectivity in the neutron-deficient nucleus \nuc{104}{Sn} using intermediate-energy Coulomb excitation. The $B(E2; 0^+_1 \rightarrow 2^+_1)$ value for the excitation of the first $2^+$ state in \nuc{104}{Sn} has been measured to be $0.180(37)~e^2$b$^2$ relative to the well-known $B(E2)$ value of \nuc{102}{Cd}. This result disagrees by more than one sigma with a recently published measurement \cite{Gua13}. Our result indicates that the most modern many-body calculations remain unable to describe the enhanced collectivity below mid-shell in Sn approaching $N=Z=50$. We attribute the enhanced collectivity to proton particle-hole configurations beyond the necessarily limited shell-model spaces and suggest the asymmetry of the $B(E2)$-value trend around mid-shell to originate from enhanced proton excitations across $Z=50$ as $N=Z$ is approached., Accepted for publication as rapid communication in Physical Review C