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Precise measurements of the intensities of superallowed Fermi 0+ → 0+β-decays have provided a powerful test of the CVC hypothesis at the level of 3×10-4 and also led to a result in disagreement with unitarity for the CKM matrix at the 98% confidence level. It is essential to address possible trivial explanations for the apparent non-unitarity such as uncertainties in the isospin symmetry-breaking corrections. We have carefully studied the 74Rb →74Kr β-decay in order to measure the non-analog β-decay branching to the 0+ state at 508 keV in 74Kr. We have determined that this branching is < 3×10-4, far smaller than any published theoretical estimate. We also show that high-precision, complete spectroscopy, measuring the major β-branches to excited 0+ and 1+ states, must be performed if one is to obtain a meaningful branching ratio to the excited 0+ state and concomitantly deal, in a substantial way, with the possibility of β feeding to an array of 1+ states.

A semi-empirical formula for the full energy peak efficiency of high-purity germanium (HPGe) detectors in the range from 4 to 3000 keV is presented. The formula is based on physically sound premises and features a very low number of free parameters, all of which are physically founded and exhibit physically viable values. The model furnishes very good fits and was successfully tested against a number of experimental efficiency curves measured with point sources on n- and p-type HPGe detectors.

High-spin states of the neutron deficient (100)pd nucleus have been investigated via the Cr-50(Ni-58, 4p alpha) and Zn-70(S-36,6n) heavy-ion induced reactions. For the detection of evaporated particles and gamma rays the NORDBALL array equipped with ancillary detectors and the EUROGAM II detector system were utilized. By the use of in-beam spectroscopic methods 89 transitions belonging to (100)pd have been observed, 49 of which were identified for the first time. The level scheme has been extended up to E-X approximate to 16 MeV excitation energy and I approximate to 25h. The experimental results were compared with the predictions of cranked shell model calculations. Maximal spin alignments were found in the (pig(9/2))(12+)(-4) (vd(5/2),g(7/2)(3)h(11/2))(13-) and (pig(9/2)(-3)p(1/2))(11-)(vd(5/2)g(7/2)(3)h(11/2))(13-) configurations. Possible existence of octupole correlations is discussed on the basis of 6 (E 1)lB(E2) values deduced for the decays of high-spin levels in the yrast negative-parity band. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

A superdeformed rotational band has been identified in ${}^{36}\mathrm{Ar}$, linked to known low-spin states, and observed to its high-spin termination at ${I}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}{\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}16}^{+}$. Cranked Nilsson-Strutinsky and spherical shell model calculations assign the band to a configuration in which four $\mathrm{pf}$-shell orbitals are occupied, leading to a low-spin deformation ${\ensuremath{\beta}}_{2}\ensuremath{\approx}0.45$. Two major shells are active for both protons and neutrons, yet the valence space remains small enough to be confronted with the shell model. This band thus provides an ideal case to study the microscopic structure of collective rotational motion.

Excited states of 65Ga and 67Ga nuclei were populated through the 12C(58Ni,αp) and 12C(58Ni,3p) reactions, respectively, and investigated by in-beam γ-ray spectroscopic methods. The NORDBALL array equipped with a charged particle ball and 11 neutron detectors was used to detect the evaporated particles and γ rays. The level schemes of 65,67Ga were constructed on the basis of γγ-coincidence relations up to 8.6 and 10 MeV excitation energy, and Iπ=27/2 and 33/2+ spin and parity, respectively. The structure of 65,67Ga nuclei was described in the interacting boson-fermion plus broken pair model, including quasiproton, quasiproton-two-quasineutron, and three-quasiproton fermion configurations in the boson-fermion basis states. Most of the states were assigned to quasiparticle + phonon and three quasiparticle configurations on the basis of their electromagnetic decay properties.

Yrast states of Sb-106 have been investigated in the Fe-54(Ni-58, alpha pn) reaction using in-beam gamma-spectroscopic methods and in the Cr-50(Ni-58,pn) reaction performing delayed gamma and conversion electron studies. A new isomeric state was found at 103 keV with t(1/2) = 232(21) ns. The number of start's and transitions in the proposed level scheme have been doubled. The experimental results are discussed within the framework of the shell model. [S0556-2813(99)08502-7].

Neutron deficient nuclei close to 100Sn have been studied using the NORDBALL Ge-detector array together with ancillary particle detectors. Evaporation residues from the compound nucleus 108Te were identified with charged particle and neutron detectors. In this paper a considerable extension of the level scheme of the nucleus 102Cd is presented. The strongest cascade of the new level scheme reveals an irregular sequence of dipole transitions above Iπ = 10+ extending up to spin 17. A strongly populated rather regular side band consisting of four quadrupole transitions ranging from spin 9 to spin 17 was also discovered. This band was tentatively assigned negative parity. Shell model calculations were performed and a very good agreement with the experimental results was found. The excited states could successfully be interpreted as neutron particle and proton hole excitations with respect to the doubly closed core 50100Sn50.

High-spin states of the isotopes In-103,In-105,In-107,In-109 have been investigated using in-beam gamma-ray spectroscopic methods. Results from three different experiments are presented. Targets of Fe-54, Cr-50, and Mo-92 were bombarded by a 270 and 261 MeV Ni-58 beam and by a 95 MeV F-19 beam, respectively. Reaction channel separation was achieved with a charged-particle detector array and in the first two experiments also with a 1 pi neutron detector system. As a result of these experiments the level schemes of In-103,In-105,In-107,In-109 were significantly extended. Excited states of these odd-A indium isotopes are discussed within the framework of the nuclear shell model and the hole-core coupling scheme. The systematics of excited states of light odd-A indium isotopes is also discussed. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.

Excited states in Cd-98, two proton holes from Sn-100, were identified and studied for the first time, using in-beam spectroscopy with highly selective ancillary detectors. The structure of the (pi g(9/2))(-2) two-proton-hole spectrum below a T-1/2 = 0.48(16) mu s isomer is deduced and compared to shell-model predictions. A tentative I-pi = (8(+)) assignment, as suggested by systematics, yields a strongly reduced B(E2,8(+) --> 6(+)) = 0.44((+20)(-10)) W.u., corresponding to an effective proton charge of e(pi) = 0.85((+20)(-10))e, which is at variance with existing theoretical predictions.

The flow of γ-transitions through the superdeformed minimum of 143Eu is investigated by studying the intensities of four different types of γ-rays of superdeformed origin, obtained with a variety of gating conditions. They can all be explained rather well by schematic simulation calculations assuming only well known statistical properties. Information on level density, competition between E1 and E2 strengths and rotational damping width in the SD well is obtained, yielding a rather complete picture of the feeding mechanism into different regions of the second minimum.

The structure of Sn-105 has been investigated through the Cr-50(Ni-58,2pn) reaction at a beam energy of 210 MeV. In addition to an extension of the spherical level scheme a regular sequence of dipole transitions has been found. The states of the dipole band are suggested to be built on a neutron hf(11/2)(2) excitation coupled to proton particle-hole states, which polarize the core to a slightly prolate shape. The experimental results are in agreement with the prediction of tilted axis cranking calculations, which satisfactorily explain the properties of the band.

A new method of correction of instrumental shifts and gain changes observed in experimental spectra is presented. An application of the method to the data collected in a large scale in-beam gamma-ray spectroscopy experiment is discussed.

Excited states of Cd-101 were studied in the reaction Ni-58(Cr-50,2p alpha n)Cd-101. The NORDBALL array with a Neutron Wall and a Silicon Ball was employed for the detection of gamma-rays and evaporated particles, The level scheme of Cd-101 was significantly extended, Shell-model calculations were performed and the excited states were interpreted in terms of neutron particle and proton hole excitations with respect to the doubly magic N = Z = 50 core.

The first evidence for excited states in In-101 is presented. In-101 is the lightest In isotope observed in an in-beam experiment. Two gamma-ray transitions at 1309 and 341 keV, respectively, are s ...

Excited states of neutron deficient nuclei close to Sn-100 were investigated in an in-beam spectroscopic experiment using the NORDBALL detector array. Excited states in Cd-99 were identified for the first time. The measured half-life of an isomeric state in Cd-99 indicates that the stability with respect to quadrupole shape changes is as large in Sn-100 as for other heavy doubly magic nuclei.

Very proton rich nuclei in the A≈100 region have been investigated using the GASP array coupled with the Recoil Mass Spectrometer (RMS) and the GASP Si-ball. High-spin states of 105Sn and 103In nuclei formed with the reaction 58 Ni + 50 Cr at 210 MeV have been investigated up to ≈ 10 and 7 MeV of excitation energy respectively. We have confirmed the known excited states for both nuclei and extended to higher spin the level scheme. The experimental level schemes are compared with shell model calculations.

The neutron deficient nucleus 108Te was studied in the 54Fe(58Ni,2p2n) reaction. A detector system consisting of 4 Euroball cluster detectors, a charged-particle detector ball and a 16 element neutron multiplicity filter was used to detect the emitted particles and γ rays. A new, significantly extended level scheme was constructed on the basis of γγ-coincidence relations. Spin values for the states were determined from angular distribution ratios. The experimental results are discussed in terms of the shell model.

New excited states have been observed in the neutron deficient isotope Ag-98 following the Ni-58+Cr-50-->Te-108* heavy-ion reaction. One of these states may be interpreted as a maximum spin aligned state of the pi g(9/2)(-3) nu vg(7/2) configuration. Other possible interpretations within the nuclear shell model are discussed as well.

High-spin states in Sb-106 have been investigated in the Fe-54(Ni-58, 1α 1p1n) reaction by in-beam γ-spectroscopic methods using the EUROBALL detector array equipped with charged particle and neutr ...

Very proton rich nuclei in the A ≈ 100 region have been investigated using the GASP array coupled with the Recoil Mass Spectrometer (RMS) and the GASP Si-ball. High-spin states of 105Sn and 103,105In nuclei formed with the reaction 58Ni + 50Cr at 210 MeV have been investigated up to ≈ 10 and 7 MeV of excitation energy respectively. We have confirmed the known excited states for both nuclei and extended to higher spin the level scheme. The experimental level schemes are compared with shell model calculations.

Excited states of Ag-99 were populated via the Cr-50 + Ni-58 (261 MeV) reaction using the NORDBALL detector array equipped with charged-particle and neutron. detector systems for reaction channel separation. On the basis of the measured gammagamma-coincidence relations and angular distribution ratios a significantly extended level scheme has been constructed up to E-x similar to 7.8 MeV and I = 35/2. The experimental results were described within the framework of the shell model. Candidates for states fully aligned in the pig(9/2)(-3)nu(d(5/2),g(7/2))(2) valence configuration space were found at 4109 and 6265 keV.

Level schemes of Cd-99(48)51 and In-101(49)52 nuclei have been extended to high spin. The breakup of the doubly magic Sn-100 core has been observed. Large-scale shell model calculations based on realistic nucleon-nucleon interactions are in good agreement with the experimental data. These results provide a reliable basis to predict nuclear structure properties in Sn-100 and its neighbors. For example, the size of the N=50 shell gap and the energy of the first excited state in Sn-101 have been deduced.

Excited states in the proton emitter Sb-105 have been investigated for the first time. The nucleus was populated in the reaction Cr-50(Ni-58,1p2n). The GAMMASPHERE Ge-detector array was used together with Microball and the Neutron Shell for selection of the reaction channel. The experimental level scheme agrees well with results of a shell model calculation that uses realistic effective interactions derived from the CD-Bonn nucleon-nucleon interaction and Sn-100 as a closed-shell core.

Over 240 transitions and three new rotational bands have been observed in the well-deformed, odd-odd ${}_{59}^{128}{\mathrm{Pr}}_{69}$ nucleus. The high-spin states were populated in two experiments using the ${}^{92}\mathrm{Mo}{(}^{40}\mathrm{Ca},3pn)$ reaction at beam energies of 170 and 184 MeV. Several structures were confirmed in the former experiment using the Clarion and HyBall arrays with the recoil mass spectrometer at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Gammasphere, in conjunction with the Microball, were employed in the latter experiment at Argonne National Laboratory to extend the sequences to very high spins. Rotational structures in ${}^{126}\mathrm{Pr}$ were also identified in the $\ensuremath{\alpha}\mathrm{pn}$ channel of the same reaction. The recent discrepancies of spin assignments for the yrast bands in ${}^{126,128}\mathrm{Pr}$ and the interpretation of the lowest crossing in the $\ensuremath{\pi}{h}_{11/2}$ band in ${}^{127}\mathrm{Pr}$ are discussed. An adiabatic crossing of the intruder ${i}_{13/2}$ neutron with one of the normal-deformed bands in ${}^{128}\mathrm{Pr}$ is observed at high rotational frequency. Experimental trends in the signature inversion phenomenon of the $\ensuremath{\pi}{h}_{11/2}\ensuremath{\nu}{h}_{11/2}$ bands in the $A\ensuremath{\approx}130$ region are defined and prove to be surprisingly irregular with respect to those found in the $\ensuremath{\pi}{h}_{11/2}\ensuremath{\nu}{i}_{13/2}$ bands of the $A\ensuremath{\approx}160$ region.

The structure of In-102 has been investigated by in-beam gamma-spectroscopic methods. Knowledge on the excited states of this nucleus has significantly been extended. Three cascades of transitions were observed to exceed the spin-energy domain spanned by the pig(9/2)(-1)v(d(5/2),g(7/2))(3) configurations. The new high spin states at similar to 4 MeV excitation energy could be assigned to the pig(9/2)(-1)v(d(5/2), g(7/2))(2)h (11/2) configuration, while at least those at 4.733, 5.192 and 5.853 MeV most likely arise from the vg(9/2) --> vd(5/2), g(7/2) one-particle-one-hole excitation across the N = 50 shell closure.

High-spin states in ${}^{129}\mathrm{Nd}$ were populated in the reaction ${}^{92}\mathrm{Mo}{(}^{40}\mathrm{Ca},2pn)$ with beam energies of 170 and 184 MeV in two separate experiments. Over 140 new transitions were placed in a level scheme that consists of four rotational structures, three of which have been observed for the first time. The bands were assigned configurations based on their $B(M1)/B(E2)$ ratios (for the strongly coupled bands), aligned angular momentum, observed band crossings, and signature splitting. Evidence for of the observation of the deformation driving $\ensuremath{\nu}{i}_{13/2}[660]1/2$ orbital is presented. Signature splitting trends in the $\ensuremath{\nu}{h}_{11/2}$ bands of $A\ensuremath{\sim}130$ nuclei are investigated within the framework of the cranked shell model. Comparisons are made with observations in the $\ensuremath{\pi}{h}_{11/2}$ bands near $A\ensuremath{\sim}160.$

g-ray transitions have been identified for the first time in the near-drip-line nucleus 126 Pr, making it the lightest odd-odd praseodymium nucleus in which excited states have been reported. Evidence is presented for two rotational bands in 126 Pr, one strongly coupled and the other doubly decoupled. In addition, the preliminary reports of a band in 128 Pr are confirmed. The signature inversion phenomenon and trends in the energy staggering of the ph11/2nh11/2 bands are discussed for the Cs, La, and Pr nuclei.

The ancillary charged-particle detector arrays used inside the NORDBALL and the EUROBALL spectrometers were simulated employing the Monte Carlo code GEANT3. The simulated charged-particle spectra are in good agreement with the experimental ones.

Neutron deficient (98)pd nuclei were produced in the Cr-50(Ni-58,2p2 alpha)(98) Pd reaction at a beam energy of 261 MeV. A revision and extension of the level structure of (98)pd is proposed. About 40 new transitions have been assigned to, and placed in the level scheme of this nucleus. A sequence of states are candidates for the negative parity 4-quasiparticle states built on the pi g(9/2)(-3)pi p(1/2)(-1) configuration predicted in the framework of the nuclear shell model.

A discrete γ-ray transition from the yrast SD band to the region of near-yrast discrete normal-deformed states has been identified in 143Eu. It has an energy of 3360.6 keV and an intensity corresponding to 3.2% of the full intensity of the SD band and feeds a nearly-spherical state above spin 352(+) and Ex=4947 keV. This agrees well with the picture of the decay out of the SD band gained previously from two-step links. The angular distribution analysis favours a stretched dipole character for the transition. Due to the complicated structure of the level scheme in the region of interest it has not been possible to place the transition exactly.

A discrete γ-ray transition with an energy of 3360.6 keV deexciting the second lowest SD state in 143 Eu has been discovered. It carries 3.2 % of the full intensity of the band and feeds into a nearly spherical state which is above the I = 35/2(+), Ex=4947 keV level. The exact placement of the single-step link is, however, not established due to the specially complicated level scheme in the region of interest. The energy of the single-step link agrees well with the previously determined two-step links.