Search

The $\ensuremath{\beta}$ decays of $^{103,104m}\mathrm{Nb}$ were studied with the Summing NaI(Tl) (SuN) detector at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory. The $\ensuremath{\beta}$-decay feeding intensity distribution ${I}_{\ensuremath{\beta}}(E)$ for each isotope was extracted by measuring $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays in coincidence with an emitted electron. The ${I}_{\ensuremath{\beta}}(E)$ was extracted via the total absorption spectroscopy technique. The ${I}_{\ensuremath{\beta}}(E)$ for each nucleus was compared to predictions made by the quasiparticle random-phase approximation (QRPA) model which is commonly used to calculate $\ensuremath{\beta}$-decay properties for astrophysical applications. The main goal was to provide experimental data for neutron-rich nuclei, relevant to the astrophysical $r$ process. In addition, the extracted $\ensuremath{\beta}$-decay feeding intensity distributions can lead to a better understanding of nuclear structure in a region of rapid structure changes around $A=100$. Finally, experimental data for $^{104m}\mathrm{Nb}$ are also of interest to antineutrino studies of nuclear reactors.

The $\ensuremath{\beta}$ decay of $^{101,102}\mathrm{Zr}$ and $^{109}\mathrm{Tc}$ was studied using the technique of total absorption spectroscopy. The experiment was performed at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory using the Summing NaI(Tl) (SuN) detector in the first-ever application of total absorption spectroscopy with a fast beam produced via projectile fragmentation. The $\ensuremath{\beta}$-decay feeding intensity and Gamow-Teller transition strength distributions were extracted for these three decays. The extracted distributions were compared to three different quasiparticle random-phase approximation (QRPA) models based on different mean-field potentials. A comparison with calculations from one of the QRPA models was performed to learn about the ground-state shape of the parent nucleus. For $^{101}\mathrm{Zr}$ and $^{102}\mathrm{Zr}$, calculations assuming a pure shape configuration (oblate or prolate) were not able to reproduce the extracted distributions. These results may indicate that some type of mixture between oblate and prolate shapes is necessary to reproduce the extracted distributions. For $^{109}\mathrm{Tc}$, a comparison of the extracted distributions with QRPA calculations suggests a dominant oblate configuration. The other two QRPA models are commonly used to provide $\ensuremath{\beta}$-decay properties in $r$-process network calculations. This work shows the importance of making comparisons between the experimental and theoretical $\ensuremath{\beta}$-decay distributions, rather than just half-lives and $\ensuremath{\beta}$-delayed neutron emission probabilities, as close to the $r$-process path as possible.

The lifetimes of the first excited 2^{+} states in the N=Z nuclei ^{80}Zr, ^{78}Y, and ^{76}Sr have been measured using the γ-ray line shape method following population via nucleon-knockout reactions from intermediate-energy rare-isotope beams. The extracted reduced electromagnetic transition strengths yield new information on where the collectivity is maximized and provide evidence for a significant, and as yet unexplained, odd-odd vs even-even staggering in the observed values. The experimental results are analyzed in the context of state-of-the-art nuclear density-functional model calculations.

Measurements of neutron elastic and inelastic scattering cross sections from 54Fe were performed for nine incident neutron energies between 2 and 6 MeV. Measured differential scattering cross sections are compared to those from previous measurements and the ENDF, JENDL, and JEFF data evaluations. TALYS calculations were performed and modifications of the default parameters are found to better describe the experimental cross sections. A spherical optical model treatment is generally adequate to describe the cross sections in this energy region; however, in 54Fe the direct coupling is found to increase suddenly above 4 MeV and requires an increase in the DWBA deformation parameter by approximately 25%. This has little effect on the elastic scattering differential cross sections but makes a significant improvement in both the strength and shape of the inelastic scattering angular distribution, which are found to be very sensitive to the size and extent of the surface absorption region.

Author(s): Elman, B; Gade, A; Janssens, RVF; Ayangeakaa, AD; Bazin, D; Belarge, J; Bender, PC; Brown, BA; Campbell, CM; Carpenter, MP; Crawford, HL; Crider, BP; Fallon, P; Forney, AM; Harker, J; Liddick, SN; Longfellow, B; Lunderberg, E; Prokop, CJ; Sethi, J; Taniuchi, R; Walters, WB; Weisshaar, D; Zhu, S | Abstract: The neutron-rich Ni isotopes have attracted attention in recent years because of the occurrence of shape or configuration coexistence. We report on the difference in population of excited final states in Ni70 following γ-ray tagged one-proton, one-neutron, and two-proton knockout from Cu71, Ni71, and Zn72 rare-isotope beams, respectively. Using variations observed in the relative transition intensities, signaling the changed population of specific final states in the different reactions, the role of neutron and proton configurations in excited states of Ni70 is probed schematically, with the goal of identifying those that carry, as leading configuration, proton excitations across the Z=28 shell closure. Such states are suggested in the literature to form a collective structure associated with prolate deformation. Adding to the body of knowledge for Ni70, 29 new transitions are reported, of which 15 are placed in its level scheme.

Background: The rapid neutron capture process is one of the main nucleosynthesis processes of elements heavier than Fe. Uncertainties in nuclear properties, such as masses, half-lives, and $\ensuremath{\beta}$-delayed neutron probabilities can cause orders of magnitude of variation within astrophysical $r$-process simulations. Presently, theoretical models are used to make global predictions of various nuclear properties for the thousands of nuclei required for these simulations, and measurements are required to benchmark these models, especially far from stability.Purpose: $\ensuremath{\beta}$-decay strength distributions can be used to not only inform astrophysical $r$-process simulations, but also to provide a stringent test for theoretical calculations. The aim of this work is to provide accurate strength distributions for $^{69,71}\mathrm{Co}\phantom{\rule{4pt}{0ex}}\ensuremath{\beta}$ decay.Method: The technique of total absorption spectroscopy was used to measure the $\ensuremath{\beta}$ decay of $^{69,71}\mathrm{Co}$ for the first time at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory. The ions were implanted in a double-sided silicon strip detector at the center of the Summing NaI(Tl) detector and identified using standard particle identification methods. The response of the detection system to the $\ensuremath{\beta}$-decay electron and subsequent $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray radiation was fit to the observed experimental data using a ${\ensuremath{\chi}}^{2}$-minimization technique.Results: $\ensuremath{\beta}$-feeding intensities and Gamow-Teller strength distributions were extracted from the fits of the experimental data. The $\ensuremath{\beta}$-decay intensities show that there is a large percentage of feeding to levels above 2 MeV, which have not been observed in previous studies. The resultant $\ensuremath{\beta}$-feeding intensities and Gamow-Teller strength distributions were compared to shell model and quasiparticle random phase approximation (QRPA) calculations.Conclusions: Comparing experimentally determined $\ensuremath{\beta}$-decay strength distributions provides a test of models, which are commonly used for global $\ensuremath{\beta}$-decay properties for astrophysical calculations. This work highlights the importance of performing detailed comparisons of models to experimental data, particularly far from stability and as close to the $r$-process path as possible.

Background: The recent observation of a neutron-star merger finally confirmed one astrophysical location of the rapid neutron-capture process (r-process). Evidence of the production of $Al140$ nuclei was seen, but there is still little detailed information about how those lighter elements are produced in such an environment. Many of the questions surrounding the $A\ensuremath{\approx}80$ nuclei are likely to be answered only when the nuclear physics involved in the production of r-process nuclei is well understood. Neutron-capture reactions are an important component of the r-process, and neutron-capture cross sections of r-process nuclei, which are very neutron rich, have large uncertainties.Purpose: Indirectly determine the neutron-capture cross section and reaction rate of $^{73}\mathrm{Zn}(n,\ensuremath{\gamma})^{74}\mathrm{Zn}$.Methods: The nuclear level density (NLD) and $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray strength function ($\ensuremath{\gamma}\mathrm{SF}$) of $^{74}\mathrm{Zn}$ were determined following a total absorption spectroscopy (TAS) experiment focused on the $\ensuremath{\beta}$ decay of $^{74}\mathrm{Cu}$ into $^{74}\mathrm{Zn}$ performed at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory. The NLD and $\ensuremath{\gamma}\mathrm{SF}$ were used as inputs in a Hauser-Feshbach statistical model to calculate the neutron-capture cross section and reaction rate.Results: The NLD and $\ensuremath{\gamma}\mathrm{SF}$ of $^{74}\mathrm{Zn}$ were experimentally constrained for the first time using $\ensuremath{\beta}$-delayed $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays measured with TAS and the $\ensuremath{\beta}$-Oslo method. The NLD and $\ensuremath{\gamma}\mathrm{SF}$ were then used to constrain the neutron-capture cross section and reaction rate for the $^{73}\mathrm{Zn}(n,\ensuremath{\gamma})^{74}\mathrm{Zn}$ reaction.Conclusions: The uncertainty in the neutron-capture cross section and reaction rate of $^{73}\mathrm{Zn}(n,\ensuremath{\gamma})^{74}\mathrm{Zn}$ calculated in TALYS was reduced to under a factor of 2 from a factor of 5 in the cross section and a factor of 11 in the reaction rate using the experimentally obtained NLD and $\ensuremath{\gamma}\mathrm{SF}$.

$\ensuremath{\beta}$-decay half-lives of neutron-rich nuclides in the $A=100--110$ mass region have been measured using an implantation station installed inside of the Summing NaI(Tl) (SuN) detector at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory. Accurate half-lives for these nuclides are important for nuclear astrophysics, nuclear structure, and nuclear technology. The half-lives from the present work are compared with previous measurements, showing overall good agreement.

Energy differences between isobaric analogue states have been extracted for the A = 79 , 79Zr/79Y mirror pair following their population via nucleon-knockout reactions from intermediate-energy rare-isotope beams. These are the heaviest nuclei where such measurements have been made to date. The deduced mirror energy differences (MED) are compared with predictions from a new density-functional based approach, incorporating isospin-breaking effects of both Coulomb and nuclear charge-symmetry breaking and configuration mixing.

The level structure of the $N=82$ nucleus $^{136}\mathrm{Xe}$ was studied with the inelastic neutron scattering reaction followed by $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray detection. A number of the spins and parities were reassigned, and many level lifetimes were determined for the first time using the Doppler-shift attenuation method. New shell-model calculations were also performed using both the full $Z=50$--82 model space, and a reduced model space including only the $1{d}_{5/2}$ and $0{g}_{7/2}$ orbitals. This new information characterizing $^{136}\mathrm{Xe}$ was used to identify the seniority structure of the low-lying levels and to assign ${(\ensuremath{\pi}0{g}_{7/2})}_{\ensuremath{\upsilon}=0}^{4}$, ${(\ensuremath{\pi}0{g}_{7/2})}_{\ensuremath{\upsilon}=2}^{4}$, ${(\ensuremath{\pi}0{g}_{7/2})}_{\ensuremath{\upsilon}=4}^{4}$, $(\ensuremath{\pi}1{d}_{5/2}){(\ensuremath{\pi}0{g}_{7/2})}_{\ensuremath{\upsilon}=1}^{3}$, and ${(\ensuremath{\pi}1{d}_{5/2})}^{2}{(\ensuremath{\pi}0{g}_{7/2})}_{\ensuremath{\upsilon}=0}^{2}$ configurations to describe all observed states below 2.8 MeV.

Neutron-capture reactions on very neutron-rich nuclei are essential for heavy-element nucleosynthesis through the rapid neutron-capture process, now shown to take place in neutron-star merger events. For these exotic nuclei, radiative neutron capture is extremely sensitive to their $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-emission probability at very low $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ energies. In this work, we present measurements of the $\ensuremath{\gamma}\text{-decay}$ strength of $^{70}\mathrm{Ni}$ over the wide range $1.3\ensuremath{\le}{E}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}\ensuremath{\le}8$ MeV. A significant enhancement is found in the $\ensuremath{\gamma}\text{-decay}$ strength for transitions with ${E}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}l3$ MeV. At present, this is the most neutron-rich nucleus displaying this feature, proving that this phenomenon is not restricted to stable nuclei. We have performed $E1$-strength calculations within the quasiparticle time-blocking approximation, which describe our data above ${E}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}\ensuremath{\simeq}5$ MeV very well. Moreover, large-scale shell-model calculations indicate an $M1$ nature of the low-energy $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ strength. This turns out to be remarkably robust with respect to the choice of interaction, truncation, and model space, and we predict its presence in the whole isotopic chain, in particular the neutron-rich $^{72,74,76}\mathrm{Ni}$.

Measurements of neutron elastic and inelastic scattering cross sections from 23Na have been performed for sixteen incident neutron energies between 1.5 and 4.5 MeV. These measurements were complemented by γ-ray excitation functions using the ( n , n ′ γ ) reaction to include excited levels not resolved in the neutron detection measurements. The time-of-flight (TOF) technique was employed for background reduction in both neutron and γ-ray measurements and for energy determination in neutron detection measurements. Previous reaction model evaluations relied primarily on neutron total cross sections and four (n, n0) and (n, n1) angular distributions in the 5 to 9 MeV range. The inclusion of more inelastic channels and measurements at lower incident neutron energies provide additional information on direct couplings between elastic and inelastic scattering as a function of angular momentum transfer. Reaction model calculations examining collective direct-coupling and compound absorption components were performed.

Undergraduate students at the University of Dallas have investigated basic properties of nuclei through γ-ray and neutron spectroscopy following neutron scattering. The former has been used primarily for nuclear structure investigations, while the latter has been used to measure neutron scattering cross sections important for fission reactor applications. A series of ( n , n ’) and ( n , n ’γ) measurements have been made on 54 Fe and 56 Fe to determine neutron cross sections for scattering to excited levels in these nuclei. The former provides the cross sections directly and the latter are used to deduce inelastic neutron scattering cross sections by measuring the γ-ray production cross sections to states not easily resolved in neutron spectroscopy. All measurements have been completed at the University of Kentucky Accelerator Laboratory using a 7-MV Model CN Van de Graaff accelerator, along with the neutron production and neutron and γ-ray detection systems located there. Students participate in accelerator operation, experimental setup, data acquisition, and data analyses. An overview of the research program and student contributions is presented.

Accurate neutron-capture cross sections on unstable nuclei near the line of beta stability are crucial for understanding the s-process nucleosynthesis. However, neutron-capture cross sections for short-lived radionuclides are difficult to measure due to the fact that the measurements require both highly radioactive samples and intense neutron sources. Essential ingredients for describing the γ decays following neutron capture are the γ-ray strength function and level densities. We will compare different indirect approaches for obtaining the most relevant observables that can constrain Hauser-Feshbach statistical-model calculations of capture cross sections. Specifically, we will consider photon scattering using monoenergetic and 100% linearly polarized photon beams. Challenges that exist on the path to obtaining neutron-capture cross sections for reactions on isotopes near and far from stability will be discussed., SCOPUS: cp.p, ND 2016: International Conference on Nuclear Data for Science and Technology, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

The level structure of $^{134}\mathrm{Xe}$ was studied with the inelastic neutron scattering reaction followed by $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray detection. A number of level lifetimes were determined for the first time with the Doppler-shift attenuation method and the low-lying excited states were characterized. From this new spectroscopic information, the third excited state, a ${0}^{+}$ level which had only been observed in a previous inelastic neutron scattering study, was verified. Reduced transition probabilities were calculated; comparisons were drawn with a vibrational description of the nucleus and found lacking. The ${3}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ octupole phonon has been confirmed, and the complete negative-parity multiplet resulting from the $\ensuremath{\nu}(1{h}_{11/2}2{d}_{3/2})$ configuration has also been tentatively identified for the first time in the $N=80$ isotones.

In this contribution we discuss new experimental approaches to indirectly provide information on neutron-capture rates relevant to the $r$-process. In particular, we focus on applications of the Oslo method to extract fundamental nuclear properties for reaction-rate calculations: the nuclear level density and the $\gamma$ strength function. Two methods are discussed in detail, the Oslo method in inverse kinematics and the beta-Oslo method. These methods present a first step towards constraining neutron-capture rates of importance to the $r$-process.

Low-lying excited states in $^{38,40}\mathrm{P}$ have been identified in the $\ensuremath{\beta}$ decay of ${T}_{z}=+5,\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}+6, ^{38,40}\mathrm{Si}$. Based on the allowed nature of the Gamow-Teller (GT) decay observed, these states are assigned spin and parity of ${1}^{+}$ and are core-excited 1p1h intruder states with a parity opposite to the ground state. The occurrence of intruder states at low energies highlights the importance of pairing and quadrupole correlation energies in lowering the intruder states despite the $N=20$ shell gap. Configuration interaction shell model calculations with the state-of-art SDPF-MU effective interaction were performed to understand the structure of these 1p1h states in the even-$A$ phosphorus isotopes. States in $^{40}\mathrm{P}$ with $N=25$ were found to have very complex configurations involving all the $fp$ orbitals leading to deformed states as seen in neutron-rich nuclei with $N\ensuremath{\approx}28$. The calculated GT matrix elements for the $\ensuremath{\beta}$ decay highlight the dominance of the decay of the core neutrons rather than the valence neutrons.

The low-lying, low-spin levels of $^{76}\mathrm{Ge}$ were studied with the $(n,{n}^{\ensuremath{'}}\ensuremath{\gamma})$ reaction. Gamma-ray excitation function measurements were performed at incident neutron energies from 1.6 to 3.7 MeV, and $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray angular distributions were measured at neutron energies of 3.0 and 3.5 MeV. From these measurements, level spins, level lifetimes, $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray intensities, and multipole mixing ratios were determined. No evidence for a number of previously placed levels was found. Below 3.3 MeV, many new levels were identified, and the level scheme was re-evaluated. The $B(E2)$ values support low-lying band structure. The ${2}^{+}$ mixed-symmetry state has been identified for the first time. A comparison of the level characteristics with large-scale shell model calculations yielded excellent agreement.

Neutron-capture reactions play an important role in heavy element nucleosynthesis, since they are the driving force for the two processes that create the vast majority of the heavy elements. When a neutron capture occurs on a short-lived nucleus, it is extremely challenging to study the reaction directly and therefore the use of indirect techniques is essential. The present work reports on such an indirect measurement that provides strong constraints on the 68Ni(n, γ)69Ni reaction rate. This is done by populating the compound nucleus 69Ni via the β decay of 69Co and measuring the γ-ray deexcitation of excited states in 69Ni. The β-Oslo method was used to extract the γ-ray strength function and the nuclear level density. In addition the half-life of 69Co was extracted and found to be in agreement with previous literature values. Before the present results, the 68Ni(n, γ)69Ni reaction was unconstrained and the purely theoretical reaction rate was highly uncertain. The new uncertainty on the reaction rate based on the present experiment (variation between upper and lower limit) is approximately a factor of 3. The commonly used reaction libraries JINA-REACLIB and BRUSLIB are in relatively good agreement with the experimental rate. The impact of the new rate on weak r-process calculations is discussed. This research was first published in Journal of Physics G: Nuclear and Particle Physics. © IOP Publishing.

Elastic neutron scattering angular distributions from 23 Na have been measured for incident neutron ener- gies between 1.0 and 4.0 MeV at the University of Ken- tucky Accelerator Laboratory using neutron time-of-flight techniques for the scattered neutrons. This is an energy region in which existing data are very sparse. Measure- ments are compared with the predictions of the light par- ticle-induced reaction code TALYS. The calculations reproduce forward angle scattering but have difficulty with relative minima in the differential cross section and large- angle scattering.

Liquid organic scintillators have long been used for fast-neutron detection due to their fast response and the ability to use pulse-shape discrimination (PSD) to distinguish between neutron and γ� ray interactions. Deuterated liquid organic scintillators have, in addition to the aforementioned properties, structure on their pulse-height spectra due to the different characteristics of n–d vs. n–p scattering. We report on the direct comparison of two small-volume liquid scintillator detectors with exactly the same geometries (11.43 cm diameter and 2.54 cm thickness); the first based on NE213 produced by Nuclear Enterprise, and the second based on EJ-315 produced by Eljen Technologies, the latter being a deuterated scintillator. A variety of photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) were used, but the quality of the data was determined to be independent of the PMT type. It is shown that, while the light output of the deuterated detector is lower than for the conventional non-deuterated detector, it is possible to detect 60 keV neutrons. The PSD capabilities of the deuterated detector match and surpass those of the NE213 detector. Its efficiency is comparable to that of the NE213 detector at neutron energies above 2 MeV; below that energy its relative efficiency suffers from the significantly lower n–d scattering cross-section. For very low neutron energies (o200 keV), the relative efficiency of the deuterated detector increases again, due to the lower noise level for our particular detectors, showing the importance of low photomultiplier tube noise for the detection of low-energy neutrons.

The $\ensuremath{\beta}$-decay intensity of $^{70}\mathrm{Co}$ was measured for the first time using the technique of total absorption spectroscopy. The large $\ensuremath{\beta}$-decay $Q$ value [12.3(3) MeV] offers a rare opportunity to study $\ensuremath{\beta}$-decay properties in a broad energy range. Two surprising features were observed in the experimental results, namely, the large fragmentation of the $\ensuremath{\beta}$ intensity at high energies, as well as the strong competition between $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays and neutrons, up to more than 2 MeV above the neutron-separation energy. The data are compared to two theoretical calculations: the shell model and the quasiparticle random phase approximation (QRPA). Both models seem to be missing a significant strength at high excitation energies. Possible interpretations of this discrepancy are discussed. The shell model is used for a detailed nuclear structure interpretation and helps to explain the observed $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-neutron competition. The comparison to the QRPA calculations is done as a means to test a model that provides global $\ensuremath{\beta}$-decay properties for astrophysical calculations. Our work demonstrates the importance of performing detailed comparisons to experimental results, beyond the simple half-life comparisons. A realistic and robust description of the $\ensuremath{\beta}$-decay intensity is crucial for our understanding of nuclear structure as well as of $r$-process nucleosynthesis.

The level structures of $^{130,132}\text{Xe}$ were studied with the inelastic neutron scattering reaction followed by $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray detection. Level lifetimes were measured using the Doppler-shift attenuation method and low-lying excited states in these nuclei were characterized. With a focus on the decay properties of the ${0}^{+}$ states, these nuclei were examined as representations of the E(5) critical-point symmetry.

The \( N=28\) isotone 60Ge , \( T_{z}=-2\), was produced and selected among the products of the fragmentation reaction of a 78Kr beam at 150 MeV/nucleon and a Be target by means of the A1900 fragment separator at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL) at Michigan State University (MSU). Its decay was studied for the first time using the optical time projection chamber. The \( \beta\)-decay of 60Ge was found to be dominated by \( \beta\)-delayed proton emission, with a branching of \( \approx 100\)% and half-life \( T_{1/2}=20_{-5}^{+7}\) ms.

Nuclear reactions where an exotic nucleus captures a neutron are critical for a wide variety of applications, from energy production and national security, to astrophysical processes, and nucleosynthesis. Neutron capture rates are well constrained near stable isotopes where experimental data are available; however, moving far from the valley of stability, uncertainties grow by orders of magnitude. This is due to the complete lack of experimental constraints, as the direct measurement of a neutron-capture reaction on a short-lived nucleus is extremely challenging. Here, we report on the first experimental extraction of a neutron capture reaction rate on ^{69}Ni, a nucleus that is five neutrons away from the last stable isotope of Ni. The implications of this measurement on nucleosynthesis around mass 70 are discussed, and the impact of similar future measurements on the understanding of the origin of the heavy elements in the cosmos is presented.

Author(s): Crider, BP; Prokop, CJ; Liddick, SN; Al-Shudifat, M; Ayangeakaa, AD; Carpenter, MP; Carroll, JJ; Chen, J; Chiara, CJ; David, HM; Dombos, AC; Go, S; Grzywacz, R; Harker, J; Janssens, RVF; Larson, N; Lauritsen, T; Lewis, R; Quinn, SJ; Recchia, F; Spyrou, A; Suchyta, S; Walters, WB; Zhu, S | Abstract: Shape coexistence near closed-shell nuclei, whereby states associated with deformed shapes appear at relatively low excitation energy alongside spherical ones, is indicative of the rapid change in structure that can occur with the addition or removal of a few protons or neutrons. Near 68Ni (Z=28, N=40), the identification of shape coexistence hinges on hitherto undetermined transition rates to and from low-energy 0+ states. In 68,70Ni, new lifetimes and branching ratios have been measured. These data enable quantitative descriptions of the 0+ states through the deduced transition rates and serve as sensitive probes for characterizing their nuclear wave functions. The results are compared to, and consistent with, large-scale shell-model calculations which predict shape coexistence. With the firm identification of this phenomenon near 68Ni, shape coexistence is now observed in all currently accessible regions of the nuclear chart with closed proton shells and mid-shell neutrons.

In recent models, the neutron-rich Ni isotopes around $N=40$ are predicted to exhibit multiple low-energy excited ${0}^{+}$ states attributed to neutron and proton excitations across both the $N=40$ and $Z=28$ shell gaps. In $^{68}\mathrm{Ni}$, the three observed ${0}^{+}$ states have been interpreted in terms of triple shape coexistence between spherical, oblate, and prolate deformed shapes. In the present work a new $({0}_{2}^{+})$ state at an energy of 1567 keV has been discovered in $^{70}\mathrm{Ni}$ by using $\ensuremath{\beta}$-delayed, $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray spectroscopy following the decay of $^{70}\mathrm{Co}$. The precipitous drop in the energy of the prolate-deformed ${0}^{+}$ level between $^{68}\mathrm{Ni}$ and $^{70}\mathrm{Ni}$ with the addition of two neutrons compares favorably with results of Monte Carlo shell-model calculations carried out in the large $fp{g}_{9/2}{d}_{5/2}$ model space, which predict a ${0}_{2}^{+}$ state at 1525 keV in $^{70}\mathrm{Ni}$. The result extends the shape-coexistence picture in the region to $^{70}\mathrm{Ni}$ and confirms the importance of the role of the tensor component of the monopole interaction in describing the structure of neutron-rich nuclei.

The experimental signature in searches for the neutrinoless double-$\ensuremath{\beta}$ decay of $^{76}\mathrm{Ge}$ is a peak near 2039 keV in the spectrum. Given the low probability of the process, it is important that the background in this region be well understood. Inelastic scattering reactions with neutrons from muon-induced interactions and $(\ensuremath{\alpha},n)$ reactions in the surrounding materials or in the detector can provide contributions to the background. We have measured the production cross sections for $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays from the $^{76}\mathrm{Ge}(n,{n}^{\ensuremath{'}}\ensuremath{\gamma})$ reaction in the 2039-keV region at incident neutron energies up to 4.9 MeV. In addition to determining that the cross sections of a previously known 2040.7-keV $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ ray from the 3952-keV level in $^{76}\mathrm{Ge}$ are rather small, we find that a larger contribution arises from a 2037.5-keV $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ ray which is attributed to a newly identified level at 3147 keV in $^{76}\mathrm{Ge}$. A third contribution is also possible from another new level at 3577 keV. These results indicate that the 2039-keV region in $^{76}\mathrm{Ge}$ neutrinoless double-$\ensuremath{\beta}$ decay searches is more complex than was previously thought.

In an experiment at the A1900 spectrometer of the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory at Michigan State University the new isotope $^{59}\mathrm{Ge}$ was identified and the cross section for production of the most neutron-deficient $^{59\ensuremath{-}62}\mathrm{Ge}$ isotopes in the fragmentation of a $^{78}\mathrm{Kr}$ beam at 150 MeV/nucleon measured. This experimental information is relevant for the hunt of new two-proton emitters in the region above the doubly-magic $^{48}\mathrm{Ni}$.

The dipole response of 76 34 Se in the energy range from 4 to 9 MeV has been analyzed using a (γ ,γ ′ ) polarized photon scattering technique, performed at the High Intensity γ -Ray Source facility at Triangle Universities Nuclear Laboratory, to complement previous work performed using unpolarized photons. The results of this work offer both an enhanced sensitivity scan of the dipole response and an unambiguous determination of the parities of the observed J=1 states. The dipole response is found to be dominated by E1 excitations, and can reasonably be attributed to a pygmy dipole resonance. Evidence is presented to suggest that a significant amount of directly unobserved excitation strength is present in the region, due to unobserved branching transitions in the decays of resonantly excited states. The dipole response of the region is underestimated when considering only ground state decay branches. We investigate the electric dipole response theoretically, performing calculations in a three-dimensional (3D) Cartesian-basis time-dependent Skyrme-Hartree-Fock framework.

Based on results from a measurement of weak decay branches observed following the β- decay of 94Y and on lifetime data from a study of 94Zr by inelastic neutron scattering, collective structure is deduced in the closed-subshell nucleus 94Zr. These results establish shape coexistence in 94Zr. The role of subshells for nuclear collectivity is suggested to be important.

Excited states in ${}^{150}$Nd have been investigated with the ${}^{150}$Nd($n$,$n$${}^{\ensuremath{'}}\ensuremath{\gamma}$) reaction. In addition to the previously known ${K}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}$ $=$ 0${}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ band, a new ${K}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}$ $=$ 2${}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ band is established, and level lifetimes are determined for all the reported band members. These lifetime data reveal a pattern of enhanced $E1$ transition strengths, similar to that observed in ${}^{152}$Sm and unprecedented in other nuclei, thus suggesting a systematic pattern for octupole collectivity in the $N$ $=$ 90 isotones. The pattern lies outside of the various model descriptions that have been put forward for nuclei in this or any other region.

Since the early 1990's, researchers working at the University of Kentucky (UK) Accelerator Laboratory have used in-house-developed graphical data acquisition systems that acquire data via interaction with CAMAC electronics. The CAMAC crate controller used previously was the DSP Model 6001, which, while excellent when first produced, had many limitations, including a computer interface that prevented the computer hardware from being upgraded. In an effort to overcome these difficulties, a Kmax-based data acquisition system has been developed. Using the tools available in Kmax 9, we have implemented several features into the current UK data acquisition system that were not present in any previous system, and additional developments are in progress.

Measurements consisting of $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray excitation functions and angular distributions were performed using the ($n,{n}^{\ensuremath{'}}\ensuremath{\gamma}$) reaction on $^{62}\mathrm{Ni}$. The excitation function data allowed us to check the consistency of the placement of transitions in the level scheme. From $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray angular distributions, the lifetimes of levels up to $~3.8$ MeV in excitation energy were extracted with the Doppler-shift attenuation method. The experimentally deduced values of reduced transition probabilities were compared with the predictions of the quadrupole vibrator model and with large-scale shell model calculations in the $\mathit{fp}$ shell configuration space. Two-phonon states were found to exist with some notable deviation from the predictions of the quadrupole vibrator model, but no evidence for the existence of three-phonon states could be established. $Z=28$ proton core excitations played a major role in understanding the observed structure.

The lifetime of the ${2}_{1}^{+}$ state at 1256.7 keV in $^{112}\mathrm{Sn}$ has been determined using the ($n$,${n}^{'}\ensuremath{\gamma}$) reaction. Angular distribution measurements were carried out at a neutron energy of 1.7 MeV, above the ${2}_{1}^{+}$ energy threshold and below that of the second excited level. Through the Doppler-shift attenuation method, the lifetime of the ${2}_{1}^{+}$ state is determined as ${750}_{\ensuremath{-}90}^{+125}$ fs, which gives a $B(E2;{2}_{1}^{+}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{0}_{1}^{+})$ value of ${10.9}_{\ensuremath{-}1.6}^{+1.5}$ W.u. This $E2$ strength in $^{112}\mathrm{Sn}$ also allows a redetermination of the $B(E2;{2}_{1}^{+}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{0}_{1}^{+})$ in $^{108}\mathrm{Sn}$ as 10.8(3.0) W.u. These values result in a symmetric trend around the neutron midshell in the systematics of $E2$ strengths in the even-mass tin isotopes and do not support $N=64$ or $N=66$ subshell gaps. The symmetric trend is in agreement with recent shell model predictions, where proton-core excitations were allowed in the calculations.

The DESCANT array (D euterated S cintillator A rray for N eutron T agging) consists of up to 70 detectors, each filled with approximately 2 liters of deuterated benzene. This scintillator material o_ers pulse-shape discrimination (PSD) capabilities to distinguish between neutrons and γ -rays interacting with the scintillator material. In addition, the anisotropic nature of n – d scattering allows for the determination of the neutron energy spectrum directly from the pulse height spectrum, complementing the traditional time-of-flight (ToF) information. DESCANT can be coupled either to the TIGRESS (T RIUMF-I SAC G amma-R ay E scape S uppressed S pectrometer) γ -ray spectrometer [1] located in the ISAC-II [2] hall of TRIUMF for in-beam experiments, or to the GRIFFIN (G amma-R ay I nfrastructure F or F undamental I nvestigations of N uclei) γ -ray spectrometer [3] located in the ISAC-I hall of TRIUMF for decay spectroscopy experiments.