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Detailed γ-ray spectroscopy of the exotic neon isotope 28Ne has been performed for the first time using the one-neutron removal reaction from 29Ne on a liquid hydrogen target at 240 MeV/nucleon. Based on an analysis of parallel momentum distributions, a level scheme with spin-parity assignments has been constructed for 28Ne and the negative-parity states are identified for the first time. The measured partial cross sections and momentum distributions reveal a significant intruder p-wave strength providing evidence of the breakdown of the N=20 and N=28 shell gaps. Only a weak, possible f-wave strength was observed to bound final states. Large-scale shell-model calculations with different effective interactions do not reproduce the large p-wave and small f-wave strength observed experimentally, indicating an ongoing challenge for a complete theoretical description of the transition into the island of inversion along the Ne isotopic chain.

The Be9(BeF25(5/2+),BeO24)X proton-removal reaction was studied at the NSCL using the S800 spectrometer. The experimental spectroscopic factor for the ground-state to ground-state transition indicates a substantial depletion of the proton d5/2 strength compared to shell-model expectations, similar to the findings of an inverse-kinematics (p,2p) measurement performed at RIBF. The BeF25 to BeO24 ground-states overlap is considerably less than anticipated if the core nucleons behaved as rigid, doubly-magic BeO24 within BeF25. We interpret the new results within the framework of the Particle-Vibration Coupling (PVC) model, of a d5/2 proton coupled to a quadrupole phonon of an effective core. This approach provides a good description of the experimental data, requiring an effective BeO∗24 core with a phonon energy of ħω2= 3.2 MeV and a B(E2)≈2.7 W.u. - softer and more collective than a bare BeO24. Both the Nilsson deformed mean field and the PVC models appear to capture the properties of the effective core of BeF25, suggesting that the additional proton polarizes BeO24 in such a way that it becomes either slightly deformed or a quadrupole vibrator.

The nucleus Ne29 is situated at the border of the island of inversion. Despite significant efforts, no bound low-lying intruder f7/2 state, which would place Ne29 firmly inside the island of inversion, has yet been observed. Here, the first investigation of unbound states of Ne29 is reported. The states were populated in Ne30(p,pn) and Na30(p,2p) reactions at a beam energy of around 230 MeV/nucleon, and analyzed in terms of their resonance properties, partial cross sections, and momentum distributions. The momentum distributions are compared to calculations using the eikonal, direct reaction model, allowing ℓ assignments for the observed states. The lowest-lying resonance at an excitation energy of 1.48(4) MeV shows clear signs of a significant ℓ=3 component, giving first evidence for f7/2 single particle strength in Ne29. The excitation energies and strengths of the observed states are compared to shell-model calculations using the sdpf-u-mix interaction.

Detailed spectroscopy of the neutron-unbound nucleus ^{28}F has been performed for the first time following proton/neutron removal from ^{29}Ne/^{29}F beams at energies around 230  MeV/nucleon. The invariant-mass spectra were reconstructed for both the ^{27}F^{(*)}+n and ^{26}F^{(*)}+2n coincidences and revealed a series of well-defined resonances. A near-threshold state was observed in both reactions and is identified as the ^{28}F ground state, with S_{n}(^{28}F)=-199(6)  keV, while analysis of the 2n decay channel allowed a considerably improved S_{n}(^{27}F)=1620(60)  keV to be deduced. Comparison with shell-model predictions and eikonal-model reaction calculations have allowed spin-parity assignments to be proposed for some of the lower-lying levels of ^{28}F. Importantly, in the case of the ground state, the reconstructed ^{27}F+n momentum distribution following neutron removal from ^{29}F indicates that it arises mainly from the 1p_{3/2} neutron intruder configuration. This demonstrates that the island of inversion around N=20 includes ^{28}F, and most probably ^{29}F, and suggests that ^{28}O is not doubly magic.

Detailed spectroscopy of the neutron-unbound nucleus ^{28}F has been performed for the first time following proton/neutron removal from ^{29}Ne/^{29}F beams at energies around 230  MeV/nucleon. The invariant-mass spectra were reconstructed for both the ^{27}F^{(*)}+n and ^{26}F^{(*)}+2n coincidences and revealed a series of well-defined resonances. A near-threshold state was observed in both reactions and is identified as the ^{28}F ground state, with S_{n}(^{28}F)=-199(6)  keV, while analysis of the 2n decay channel allowed a considerably improved S_{n}(^{27}F)=1620(60)  keV to be deduced. Comparison with shell-model predictions and eikonal-model reaction calculations have allowed spin-parity assignments to be proposed for some of the lower-lying levels of ^{28}F. Importantly, in the case of the ground state, the reconstructed ^{27}F+n momentum distribution following neutron removal from ^{29}F indicates that it arises mainly from the 1p_{3/2} neutron intruder configuration. This demonstrates that the island of inversion around N=20 includes ^{28}F, and most probably ^{29}F, and suggests that ^{28}O is not doubly magic.

New experimental data obtained from γ-ray tagged one-neutron and one-proton knockout from Co55 are presented. A candidate for the sought-after T=1,Tz=0,Jπ=6+ state in Co54 is proposed based on a comparison to the new data on Fe54, the corresponding observables predicted by large-scale-shell-model (LSSM) calculations in the full fp-model space employing charge-dependent contributions, and isospin-symmetry arguments. Furthermore, possible isospin-symmetry breaking in the A=54, T=1 triplet is studied by calculating the experimental c coefficients of the isobaric mass multiplet equation (IMME) up to the maximum possible spin J=6 expected for the (1f7/2)-2 two-hole configuration relative to the doubly magic nucleus Ni56. The experimental quantities are compared to the theoretically predicted c coefficients from LSSM calculations using two-body matrix elements obtained from a realistic chiral effective field theory potential at next-to-next-to-next-to-leading order (N3LO).

New experimental data obtained from γ-ray tagged one-neutron and one-proton knockout from Co55 are presented. A candidate for the sought-after T=1,Tz=0,Jπ=6+ state in Co54 is proposed based on a comparison to the new data on Fe54, the corresponding observables predicted by large-scale-shell-model (LSSM) calculations in the full fp-model space employing charge-dependent contributions, and isospin-symmetry arguments. Furthermore, possible isospin-symmetry breaking in the A=54, T=1 triplet is studied by calculating the experimental c coefficients of the isobaric mass multiplet equation (IMME) up to the maximum possible spin J=6 expected for the (1f7/2)-2 two-hole configuration relative to the doubly magic nucleus Ni56. The experimental quantities are compared to the theoretically predicted c coefficients from LSSM calculations using two-body matrix elements obtained from a realistic chiral effective field theory potential at next-to-next-to-next-to-leading order (N3LO).

The development of advanced γ-ray tracking arrays allows for a sensitive new technique to investigate elusive states of exotic nuclei with fast rare-isotope beams. By taking advantage of the excellent energy and position resolution of the Gamma-Ray Energy Tracking In-beam Nuclear Array, we developed a novel technique to identify in-flight isomeric decays of the 02+ state in Mg32 populated in a two-proton removal reaction. We confirm the 02+→21+γ-ray transition of Mg32 and constrain the 02+ decay lifetime, suggesting a large collectivity. The small partial cross section populating the 02+ state in this reaction provides experimental evidence for the reduced occupancy of the normal configuration of the 02+ state, indicating the intruder dominance of this state.

The development of advanced γ-ray tracking arrays allows for a sensitive new technique to investigate elusive states of exotic nuclei with fast rare-isotope beams. By taking advantage of the excellent energy and position resolution of the Gamma-Ray Energy Tracking In-beam Nuclear Array, we developed a novel technique to identify in-flight isomeric decays of the 02+ state in Mg32 populated in a two-proton removal reaction. We confirm the 02+→21+γ-ray transition of Mg32 and constrain the 02+ decay lifetime, suggesting a large collectivity. The small partial cross section populating the 02+ state in this reaction provides experimental evidence for the reduced occupancy of the normal configuration of the 02+ state, indicating the intruder dominance of this state.

A more detailed test of the implementation of nuclear forces that drive shell evolution in the pivotal nucleus ^{42}Si-going beyond earlier comparisons of excited-state energies-is important. The two leading shell-model effective interactions, SDPF-MU and SDPF-U-Si, both of which reproduce the low-lying ^{42}Si(2_{1}^{+}) energy, but whose predictions for other observables differ significantly, are interrogated by the population of states in neutron-rich ^{42}Si with a one-proton removal reaction from ^{43}P projectiles at 81  MeV/nucleon. The measured cross sections to the individual ^{42}Si final states are compared to calculations that combine eikonal reaction dynamics with these shell-model nuclear structure overlaps. The differences in the two shell-model descriptions are examined and linked to predicted low-lying excited 0^{+} states and shape coexistence. Based on the present data, which are in better agreement with the SDPF-MU calculations, the state observed at 2150(13) keV in ^{42}Si is proposed to be the (0_{2}^{+}) level.

A more detailed test of the implementation of nuclear forces that drive shell evolution in the pivotal nucleus ^{42}Si-going beyond earlier comparisons of excited-state energies-is important. The two leading shell-model effective interactions, SDPF-MU and SDPF-U-Si, both of which reproduce the low-lying ^{42}Si(2_{1}^{+}) energy, but whose predictions for other observables differ significantly, are interrogated by the population of states in neutron-rich ^{42}Si with a one-proton removal reaction from ^{43}P projectiles at 81  MeV/nucleon. The measured cross sections to the individual ^{42}Si final states are compared to calculations that combine eikonal reaction dynamics with these shell-model nuclear structure overlaps. The differences in the two shell-model descriptions are examined and linked to predicted low-lying excited 0^{+} states and shape coexistence. Based on the present data, which are in better agreement with the SDPF-MU calculations, the state observed at 2150(13) keV in ^{42}Si is proposed to be the (0_{2}^{+}) level.

We present a high-resolution in-beam γ-ray spectroscopy study of excited states in the mirror nuclei Co55 and Ni55 following one-nucleon knockout from a projectile beam of Ni56. The newly determined partial cross sections and the γ-decay properties of excited states provide a test of state-of-the-art nuclear structure models and probe mirror symmetry in unique ways. The new experimental data are compared to large-scale shell-model calculations in the full pf space which include charge-dependent contributions. A mirror asymmetry for the partial cross sections leading to the two lowest 3/2- states in the A=55 mirror pair was identified as well as a significant difference in the E1 decays from the 1/21+ state to the same two 3/2- states. The mirror asymmetry in the partial cross sections cannot be reconciled with the present shell-model picture or small mixing introduced in a two-state model. The observed mirror asymmetry in the E1 decay pattern, however, points at stronger mixing between the two lowest 3/2- states in Co55 than in its mirror Ni55.

We present a high-resolution in-beam γ-ray spectroscopy study of excited states in the mirror nuclei Co55 and Ni55 following one-nucleon knockout from a projectile beam of Ni56. The newly determined partial cross sections and the γ-decay properties of excited states provide a test of state-of-the-art nuclear structure models and probe mirror symmetry in unique ways. The new experimental data are compared to large-scale shell-model calculations in the full pf space which include charge-dependent contributions. A mirror asymmetry for the partial cross sections leading to the two lowest 3/2- states in the A=55 mirror pair was identified as well as a significant difference in the E1 decays from the 1/21+ state to the same two 3/2- states. The mirror asymmetry in the partial cross sections cannot be reconciled with the present shell-model picture or small mixing introduced in a two-state model. The observed mirror asymmetry in the E1 decay pattern, however, points at stronger mixing between the two lowest 3/2- states in Co55 than in its mirror Ni55.

The calcium isotopes have emerged as a critical testing ground for new microscopically derived shell-model interactions, and a great deal of experimental and theoretical focus has been directed toward this region. We investigate the relative spectroscopic strengths associated with 1f7/2 neutron hole states in Ca47,49 following one-neutron knockout reactions from Ca48,50. The observed reduction of strength populating the 7/21- state in Ca49, as compared to Ca47, is inconsistent with shell-model calculations using both phenomenological interactions such as GXPF1, and interactions derived from microscopically based two- and three-nucleon forces. The result suggests a fragmentation of the l=3 strength to higher-lying states as suggested by the microscopic calculations, but the observed magnitude of the reduction is not reproduced in any shell-model description.

The (^{10}Be,^{10}B^{*}[1.74  MeV]) charge-exchange reaction at 100  AMeV is presented as a new probe for isolating the isovector (ΔT=1) nonspin-transfer (ΔS=0) response of nuclei, with ^{28}Si being the first nucleus studied. By using a secondary ^{10}Be beam produced by fast fragmentation of ^{18}O nuclei at the NSCL Coupled Cyclotron Facility, applying the dispersion-matching technique with the S800 magnetic spectrometer to determine the excitation energy in ^{28}Al, and performing high-resolution γ-ray tracking with the Gamma-Ray Energy Tracking In-beam Nuclear Array (GRETINA) to identify the 1022-keV γ ray associated with the decay from the 1.74-MeV T=1 isobaric analog state in ^{10}B, a ΔS=0 excitation-energy spectrum in ^{28}Al was extracted. Monopole and dipole contributions were determined through a multipole-decomposition analysis, and the isovector giant dipole resonance and isovector giant monopole resonance (IVGMR) were identified. The results show that this probe is a powerful tool for studying the elusive IVGMR, which is of interest for performing stringent tests of modern density functional theories at high excitation energies and for constraining the bulk properties of nuclei and nuclear matter. The extracted distributions were compared with theoretical calculations based on the normal-modes formalism and the proton-neutron relativistic time-blocking approximation. Calculated cross sections based on these strengths underestimate the data by about a factor of 2, which likely indicates deficiencies in the reaction calculations based on the distorted wave Born approximation.

The (^{10}Be,^{10}B^{*}[1.74  MeV]) charge-exchange reaction at 100  AMeV is presented as a new probe for isolating the isovector (ΔT=1) nonspin-transfer (ΔS=0) response of nuclei, with ^{28}Si being the first nucleus studied. By using a secondary ^{10}Be beam produced by fast fragmentation of ^{18}O nuclei at the NSCL Coupled Cyclotron Facility, applying the dispersion-matching technique with the S800 magnetic spectrometer to determine the excitation energy in ^{28}Al, and performing high-resolution γ-ray tracking with the Gamma-Ray Energy Tracking In-beam Nuclear Array (GRETINA) to identify the 1022-keV γ ray associated with the decay from the 1.74-MeV T=1 isobaric analog state in ^{10}B, a ΔS=0 excitation-energy spectrum in ^{28}Al was extracted. Monopole and dipole contributions were determined through a multipole-decomposition analysis, and the isovector giant dipole resonance and isovector giant monopole resonance (IVGMR) were identified. The results show that this probe is a powerful tool for studying the elusive IVGMR, which is of interest for performing stringent tests of modern density functional theories at high excitation energies and for constraining the bulk properties of nuclei and nuclear matter. The extracted distributions were compared with theoretical calculations based on the normal-modes formalism and the proton-neutron relativistic time-blocking approximation. Calculated cross sections based on these strengths underestimate the data by about a factor of 2, which likely indicates deficiencies in the reaction calculations based on the distorted wave Born approximation.

The distribution of single-particle strength in Ni67,69 was characterized with one-neutron knockout reactions from intermediate-energy Ni68,70 secondary beams, selectively populating neutron-hole configurations at N=39 and 41, respectively. The spectroscopic strengths deduced from the measured partial cross sections to the individual final states, as tagged by their γ-ray decays, are used to identify and quantify neutron configurations in the wave functions. While Ni69 compares well with shell-model predictions, the results for Ni67 challenge the validity of current effective shell-model Hamiltonians by revealing discrepancies that cannot be explained so far. These results suggest that our understanding of the low-lying states in the neutron-rich, semimagic Ni isotopes may be incomplete and requires further investigation on both the experimental and theoretical sides.

The distribution of single-particle strength in Ni67,69 was characterized with one-neutron knockout reactions from intermediate-energy Ni68,70 secondary beams, selectively populating neutron-hole configurations at N=39 and 41, respectively. The spectroscopic strengths deduced from the measured partial cross sections to the individual final states, as tagged by their γ-ray decays, are used to identify and quantify neutron configurations in the wave functions. While Ni69 compares well with shell-model predictions, the results for Ni67 challenge the validity of current effective shell-model Hamiltonians by revealing discrepancies that cannot be explained so far. These results suggest that our understanding of the low-lying states in the neutron-rich, semimagic Ni isotopes may be incomplete and requires further investigation on both the experimental and theoretical sides.

The calcium isotopes have emerged as an important testing ground for newmicroscopically derived shell-model interactions, and a great deal of focus hasbeen directed toward this region. We investigate the relative spectroscopicstrengths associated with $1f_{7/2}$ neutron hole states in $^{47, 49}$Cafollowing one-neutron knockout reactions from $^{48,50}$Ca. The observedreduction of strength populating the lowest 7/2$^{-}_{1}$ state in $^{49}$Ca,as compared to $^{47}$Ca, is consistent with the description given byshell-model calculations based on two- and three-nucleon forces in the neutron$pf$ model space, implying a fragmentation of the $l$=3 strength tohigher-lying states. The experimental result is inconsistent with both theGXPF1 interaction routinely used in this region of the nuclear chart and withmicroscopic calculations in an extended model space including the $u1g_{9/2}$orbital.

The calcium isotopes have emerged as an important testing ground for newmicroscopically derived shell-model interactions, and a great deal of focus hasbeen directed toward this region. We investigate the relative spectroscopicstrengths associated with $1f_{7/2}$ neutron hole states in $^{47, 49}$Cafollowing one-neutron knockout reactions from $^{48,50}$Ca. The observedreduction of strength populating the lowest 7/2$^{-}_{1}$ state in $^{49}$Ca,as compared to $^{47}$Ca, is consistent with the description given byshell-model calculations based on two- and three-nucleon forces in the neutron$pf$ model space, implying a fragmentation of the $l$=3 strength tohigher-lying states. The experimental result is inconsistent with both theGXPF1 interaction routinely used in this region of the nuclear chart and withmicroscopic calculations in an extended model space including the $\nu1g_{9/2}$orbital.

Excited states in the neutron-rich N = 38, 36 nuclei (60)Ti and (58)Ti were populated in nucleon-removal reactions from (61)V projectiles at 90 MeV/nucleon. The γ-ray transitions from such states in these Ti isotopes were detected with the advanced γ-ray tracking array GRETINA and were corrected event by event for large Doppler shifts (v/c ∼ 0.4) using the γ-ray interaction points deduced from online signal decomposition. The new data indicate that a steep decrease in quadrupole collectivity occurs when moving from neutron-rich N = 36, 38 Fe and Cr toward the Ti and Ca isotones. In fact, (58,60)Ti provide some of the most neutron-rich benchmarks accessible today for calculations attempting to determine the structure of the potentially doubly magic nucleus (60)Ca.

Excited states in the neutron-rich N = 38, 36 nuclei (60)Ti and (58)Ti were populated in nucleon-removal reactions from (61)V projectiles at 90 MeV/nucleon. The γ-ray transitions from such states in these Ti isotopes were detected with the advanced γ-ray tracking array GRETINA and were corrected event by event for large Doppler shifts (v/c ∼ 0.4) using the γ-ray interaction points deduced from online signal decomposition. The new data indicate that a steep decrease in quadrupole collectivity occurs when moving from neutron-rich N = 36, 38 Fe and Cr toward the Ti and Ca isotones. In fact, (58,60)Ti provide some of the most neutron-rich benchmarks accessible today for calculations attempting to determine the structure of the potentially doubly magic nucleus (60)Ca.

The two-proton knockout reaction Be9(Ti54,Ca52+γ) has been studied at 72 MeV/nucleon. Besides the strong feeding of the Ca52 ground state, the only other sizeable cross section proceeds to a 3- level at 3.9 MeV. There is no measurable direct yield to the first excited 2+ state at 2.6 MeV. The results illustrate the potential of such direct reactions for exploring cross-shell proton excitations in neutron-rich nuclei and confirms the doubly-magic nature of Ca52. © 2006 The American Physical Society.