Structure of28Si from the spectroscopy of high-spin states

A search for high-spin states in²⁸Si has been performed byn?y coincidence measurements in the²⁵Mg(α,nγy) reaction atE _α=14 and 15.5 MeV. Spin-parity assignments of the observed levels were obtained fromn?γ angular correlation and lifetime measurements atE _α=14.5 MeV. Theγ-decay of the 9,164 keV level was investigated separately with the²⁷Al(p, γ) reaction at theE _p=2,160 and 2,312 keV resonances. Rotational bands withK ^π=3^? (comprising levels atE _x=6,879, 8,413, 10,188 and 12,204 keV),K ^π =5^? (comprising levels atE _x=9,702, 11,577 and 13,741 keV) andK ^π=0⁺ (comprising levels atE _x=6,691, 7,381, 9,164 and 11,509 keV) were observed. The finding of the latter band supports the idea of coexisting oblate and prolate shapes in²⁸Si. A level at 14,643 keV excitation energy has the properties of theI ^π=8⁺ member of the ground state band. There are additional positive-parity high-spin states which do not fit into rotational bands. All types of positive-parity states are well accounted for by shell model calculations.     

High-spin states in38Ar

Theγ-decay of 93³⁸Ar levels between 6.84 and 10 MeV excitation energy has been measured using the³⁵Cl(α,pγ) reaction atE _α=14 MeV. A previous measurement of the same reaction could be exploited in the light of the present results, yielding spin(-parity) assignmentsJ ^π(7,070)=5^-, J(7,507)=7,5,J ^π(8,077)=7⁺, J(8,129)=5,6 and J(8,488)=7,5. Theγ-decay modes of yrast levels, which have been previously observed in heavy ion induced reactions, are revised leading to major changes in their spin-parity assignments. New candidates for theJ ^π=8^- and 9⁺ levels were found in the levels at 9,644 and 9,928 keV excitation energy, respectively. A comparison of yrast levels with shell-model calculations is satisfying.     

Structure of the mirror nuclei21Ne and21Na

Theγ-decay of levels in²¹Ne up to 10 MeV excitation energy has been investigated byn — γ coincidence measurements initiated with the¹⁸O(α, nγ) reaction at 12, 13, 14.5 and 15.4 MeV bombarding energies. Spin(-parity) assignments of excited states are obtained by combining then — γ angular correlation measurements performed atE _α=11, 11.82 and 13.6 MeV with a consideration of lifetimes, neutron penetrabilities of the unbound states, and information from the mirror nucleus²¹Na. The resulting values of E_x[keV]?J ^π are as follows: 4525-5⁺, 4686-3⁺, 5431-7⁺, 5549-3⁺, 5819-7^?, 6175-7⁺, 6268-9⁺, 6550-9, 6639-9, 7006-7⁺, 7041-9, 7356-7 or 9, 7422-11^(?), 7648-7⁺, 7981-11 or (7⁺), 8154-9, 8240-11, 8664-9^? or 11 or 13^?, 9401-13^?, 9867-13^? or 15⁺, 9941-13^? or 15 or 17⁺. The assignment of mirror levels in²¹Ne —²¹Na has been extended to the 6175 keV level of²¹Ne. Excitation energies, electromagnetic properties, Gamow?Teller matrix elements and spectroscopic factors of positive parity states are compared with the results of shell-model calculations which employ a unifieds—d shell Hamiltonian and the unrestricted configuration space of the 0d _5/2 —1s _1/2—0d_3/2 shell. Collective properties contained in shell model wave functions are explored up to the termination of bands atJ=17/2 or 19/2. The spectrum of intruder states in²¹Ne is observed to begin with a 5628 keV,J ^π=7/2⁺ state. The 7422, 8664 and 9401 keV levels are assigned as members of previously established negative-parity rotational bands.     

New aspects of the rotational model in25Mg

Spin assignments have been made to the²⁵Mg levels in theE _x=5–6 MeV region fromγ-ray angular distributions measured in the²²Ne(α, n y) reaction atE _α=8.0 and 8.8 MeV and fromp-γ angular correlations measured in the²⁴Mg(d, p γ) reaction atE _d=6 MeV. Unique spin assignments ofJ=7/2, 5/2, 5/2, and 9/2 could be made to the levels atE _x=5005, 5511, 5851, and 5967 keV, respectively. Ambigious assignments have been made to the levels atE _x=5245, 5524, 5785, 6032 keV (J=11/2, 7/2), 5455 keVJ=13/2, 9/2), and 5738 keV (J=3/2, 5/2). The present data confirm previous assignments ofJ=1/2 to the levels atE _x=5108 and 5466 keV, respectively. Lifetime estimates have been obtained, using the Doppler-shift attenuation method, for the levels atE _x=5245 keV (τ=30–60 fs), 5785 keV (τ=50–100 fs), 5967 keV (τ=50–100 fs), and 5455 keV (τ>1ps). All other levels in theE _x=5–6 MeV region haveτ<60 fs. A breakdown of theK-selection rule has been observed in theγ-decay of some high spin states, indicating a deviation from the strong coupling model.     

Spectroscopy of excited states in212Po,210Pb,and213At employing18O induced few-nucleon transfer reactions

γ-ray spectroscopic techniques have been applied to measure properties of excited states (E ^*<2MeV) in²¹⁰Pb,²¹²Po, and²¹³At after populating these neutron rich (N=128) nuclei via¹⁸O induced few-nucleon transfer reactions on²⁰⁸Pb and²⁰⁹Bi targets. In²¹²Po an isomeric state is located atE ^*=1,477 keV with a halflife oft _1/2=14.7±0.3 ns. This state is interpreted to be the 8⁺ yrast level which decays to the ground state via the measured $$8^ + \left( {121.1 keV} \right)6^ + \left( {223.3 keV} \right)4^ + \left( {405.1 keV} \right)2^ + \left( {727.8 keV} \right)0^ + $$ γ-cascade.α-decay (E _α≈10.2 MeV) of the isomer is also observed. In²¹⁰Pb the time spectra for members of the 4⁺ (297.8keV) 2⁺ (799.4keV)0⁺ γ-cascade show a delayed component with a halflife oft _1/2=152±13 ns which is attributed to the known 8⁺ yrast state atE ^*=1.27 MeV. For²¹³At first results on theγ-decay of excited states are presented.     

Alpha decay of isobaric analogue states in24Mg and28Si

Theα-decay of isobaric analogue states (which are forbidden by isospin selection rules) excited in²⁴Mg and²⁸Si through preton capture by²³Na atE _p=677 and 739 keV and by²⁷Al atE _p=295, 327 and 405 keV, respectively, have been studied using solid state track detectors. The ratio ofα-decay widths of the two resonance states in²⁴Mg to the state at 1.632 MeV (2⁺) in²⁰Ne yields the value 0.065 for the mixing parameterε and the value 4.01 keV for the Coulomb matrix element responsible for the isospin mixing in²⁴Mg. In²⁸Si the measurement of theα-decay widths of the three resonance states resulted in the determination of the proton, gamma and alpha partial widths which comprise the total width of the resonance states. Limits have been set for the value of the two mixing parameters involved in this case. Upper limits of 16 and 39 keV have been obtained for the Coulomb matrix elements responsible for the isospin mixing in²⁸Si.     

The level structure of69Ge

Theγ-ray decay of the states in⁶⁹Ge has been studied using the reaction⁶⁶Zn(α, nγ)⁶⁹Ge atE _α =13 and 19 MeV. The level scheme and spin assignments were established by means of coincidence measurements, angular distributions and excitation functions. 27 new levels could be found or confirmed. It is suggested that⁶⁹Ge is a further example for the weak coupling phenomenon in the medium mass nuclei. Nuclear Reactions: ⁶⁶Zn(α, nγ)⁶⁹Ge,E _α =13–22 MeV, measuredE _γ ,I _γ ,I _γ (θ),E _γ =f(E _α ),γ-γ coincidences,⁶⁹Ge deduced levels,J, enriched target.     

High-spin states in26Mg

Theγ-decays of levels in²⁶Mg have been investigated up to 12.5 MeV excitation energy by proton-γ-ray coincidence measurements in the²³Na(α, pγ) reaction at 14.2 and 16 MeV bombarding energy. Lifetime-measurements, made with the Doppler-shift attenuation method, and proton-γ-ray angular-correlation measurements were performed at E_α=14.2 MeV. Many high-spin states were observed, among them levels at 6,978 (5⁺), 7,283(4^?), 7,395(5⁺), 7,953(5^?), 8,202(6⁺), 8,472(6⁺), 9,065(5), 9,112(6⁺), 9,169(6^?), 9,383 (6⁺), 9,542(5), 9,829(7⁺), 9,989(6⁺) and 12,479(8⁺, 7^?) keV excitation energy. The spectrum of positive-parity states and their electromagnetic properties are reproduced with good accuracy by shell-model calculations which employ a unifieds-d shell Hamiltonian and the unrestricted configuration space of the 0d _5/2 1s _1/2 0d _3/2 shell. Members of five inferred rotational bands, withK ^π=0⁺, 2⁺, 3⁺, 0⁺ and 3^? have been observed up to at leastI=6. TheK ^π=2⁺ band shows strong anomalies of excitation energies andE2 transition rates near theI=6 state. The static intrinsic quadrupole moments calculated from the shell model wave functions indicate transitions from prolate to oblate deformation within theK ^π=2⁺ band and also the ground state band. The lowest lyingI ^π=4⁺ state appears to be “spherical” and cannot be associated with a rotational band.     

Quantum numbers of26Al levels above 6 MeV excitation energy

Measurements of resonance strengths and ofγ-ray angular distributions or anisotropies have been performed on selected resonances of the²⁵Mg(p, γ) reaction in the rangeE _p=2–4 MeV,E _x=8.2?10.1 MeV with an emphasis on high-spin andT=1 analog resonances. EightT=1 states are identified, among them high-spin states at 8747 keV (I=6), 9286 KeV (I=5), and 9986 keV (I ^π = 7⁺, 6⁺). Shell model calculations in thes-d basis space reproduce the branching ratios of these states and clarify the nature of final states. New high-spinT=0 states are observed at 9720 keV (I ^π = 7⁺), 8602 keV (I = 6), and 6695 keV (I ^π = 7⁺). TheI ^π assignments to severalE _x = 6–8 MeV states are revised and the role of two-particle excitations into thef-p shell is elucidated. A revised spectrum of 73 positive-parity,T = 0 states is compared to the predictions of shell-model calculations in thes-d basis space using the universals-d shell Hamiltonian.     

The structure of28Si above 10 MeV excitation energy III: Level scheme and shell model interpretation

²⁸Si level scheme up to 14.5 MeV excitation energy is reevaluated using information from two preceding papers. It consists of approximately 250 levels which are almost completely characterized according to the quantum numbersI, π, T of the levels. The properties of positive-parity states are compared to the predictions of shell model calculations within the completes-d basis space using the unifieds-d shell Hamiltonian. A spectrum of 48 experimentalT=1 states between 9.3 and 16 MeV is reproduced with a rms deviation of only 150 keV. A calculation of radiative widths and γ-decay modes which uses free-nucleong-factors yields excellent agreement with experiment and confirms that quenching of M1 transitions is only marginal in²⁸Si. The detailed shell model analysis of theT=0 spectrum is extended to the limiting energy whereT=1 wave function admixtures, not contained in the theory, become important experimentally. This happens at 6–8 MeV above the yrast state, depending on the spin value. Altogether it appears that a spectrum of 171 levels below 14.5 MeV, which have positive or unassigned parity, is almost completely accounted for by the model. Apparent intruder states from outside thes-d shell space are observed atE _x =10 945 keV (I ^π=4⁺) and 12 860 keV (I ^π=6⁺) and are interpreted as members of aK ^π=0⁺ rotational band.     

Density of high-spin states in38Ar and42Ca

Theγ-decay modes of³⁸Ar levels withE _x ≦11,630keV and of⁴²Ca levels withE _x ≦10,036keV have been studied using the³⁵Cl(α, pγ) reaction at 16MeV and the³⁹K(α, pγ) reaction at 15.14 MeV, respectively. In both nuclei the number of states withJ≧6 exceeds fifty. Weak coupling calculations of the Bansal and French type reproduce the density of high-spin states. The success of the model implies that the excitations of up to four particles from thed _3/2 into thef _7/2 shell play a role in both nuclei. The structure of deformed states was found to be predominantly 4p/s 6h in³⁸Ar and 4p/s 2h in⁴²Ca, respectively.     

High-spin states in112Cd from the110Pd(α, 2n γ)-reaction

The decay scheme of¹¹²Cd has been studied by γ-ray spectroscopy with the¹¹⁰Pd(α, 2nγ) reaction. Spin and parity assignments were made on the basis of coincidence measurements, angular distributions and excitation functions. Twelve new energy levels were established. A vibrational-like positive-parity band up to spin 8⁺ and a negativeparity side band 5^?, (7^?), (9^?) were found. For the negative-parity states a (v_j, vh_11/2) configuration is suggested. Nuclear Reactions:¹¹⁰Pd(α,2nγ),E _α =15–22.5 MeV; measuredE _γ ,E _γ , (E,E _γ ),E _γ (θ),γ-γ- coincidence;¹¹²Cd deduced levels,J; enriched target.     

States in95Mo and99Mo populated in the (3He, α) reaction

The (³He,α) reaction on⁹⁶Mo and¹⁰⁰Mo targets has been studied at a bombarding energy of 18 MeV. Thel _n transfer assignments have been made on the basis of angular distribution patterns and on an analysis of the ratios of the experimental and theoretical cross-sections of (³He,α) and (d, t) reactions data leading to the same final states. New states are observed in⁹⁵Mo at 3373 keV (9/2⁺); spin and parity assignments are made to levels in⁹⁹Mo at 1621 keV 7/2⁺ (9/2⁺), 1778 keV (5/2^?) and 2078 keV (11/2^?).     

High-spin states in27Al

The²⁴Mg(α, p γ) reaction has been studied atα-particle energies of 13, 15, and 15.2 MeV. Using method II of Litherland and Ferguson spin assignments or restrictions thereof could be made to the²⁷Al levels atE _x =5500 keV (I=11/2, 7/2), 6950 keV (I=11/2, 7/2), 7226 keV (I=9/2), 7286 keV (I=9/2–13/2), 7399 keV (I=11/2, 7/2) and 7443 keV (I=13/2, 9/2). Using the Doppler-shift attenuation method a lifetimeτ=20–50 fs was obtained for theE _x =7399 keV level and a limitτ<20 fs for the levels atE _x =7443, 7286, 7226, 6950, 6718, and 6287 keV, respectively. Further spin assignments in²⁷Al were obtained by a study of the²⁶Mg(p, γ) reaction at the E_p=2174 keV resonance. Fromγ-ray angular distributions the resonance spin was determined as I=9/2 (previous assignmentI=7/2) and the spin of theE _x =5959 keV level was determined asI=7/2. Tentative spin assignments were made to the levels atE _x =6537 keV (I=7/2) and 6718 keV (I=9/2). From the combined evidence of the²⁴Mg(α, p) and²⁶Mg(p, γ) reactions the spin of the 6287 keV level was found to beI=7/2. The results are compared with shell model calculations and the Nilsson model.     

Decay properties of very-high-spin states in transitional Er nuclei aroundA=154

Theγ ray continuum structures of the transitional Er isotopes withA～154 are studied using the reaction⁷⁴Ge(⁸⁴Kr,xn)^158?xEr atE _lab=340 MeV. The measurements include energy spectra, total energies, multiplicities, angular distributions and lifetimes using the DSAM method. The analysis of data confirms the previously observed two-bump structure of the continuum radiation. A meticulous subtraction of discrete contributions proves the persistence of the low-energy bump even at high spins, i.e.I>40?. The angular-distribution measurements assign predominant dipole structure to the bump atE _γ=0.65 MeV, whereas the bump atE _γ=1.3 MeV is of almost pure quadrupole character at high spins. The lifetime measurements give evidence for a strong enhancement of theB(E2) values of the upper bump,B(E2)/B _sp>130. Spin-selection studies reveal, in the spin rangeI=30?50? an almost constant energy for the 1.3 MeV bump,ΔE<60 keV.     

Evidence for the coexistence of spherical and deformed states in38Ar

The³⁸Ar levels at E_x=5350, 7289 and 9341 keV have been investigated using the³⁵Cl(α,pγ) reaction at E_α=l4 and 14.5 MeV. From particle-γ-ray angular correlations the spin assignments J(5350)=4, J(7289)=6,4 and J(9341)=8,6,4 have been obtained. Life-time measurements using the Doppler-shift attenuation method yielded τ(9341)=106±25 fs and τ(7289)=77±30 fs, while the lifetime τ(5350)=200±50 fs was known previously. All levels have positive parity and decay by enhanced E2 transitions. Hence we propose that they are the J^π=4⁺, 6⁺ and 8⁺ members, respectively, of a K^π=0⁺ rotational band which has the E_x=3377keV, J^π=0⁺ and the 3937 keV, J^π=2⁺ levels as further members. The enhancement of inband E2 transitions is 30 _?6 ⁺¹⁰ W.u. (4→2), 35 _?14 ⁺³⁰ W.u. (6→4) and 20–36 W.u. (8 → 6), respectively, yielding an average intrinsic quadrupole moment Q₀=850 _?125 ⁺²⁰⁰ mb. The moment of inertia is given by h²2θ=92 keV. The present data are in good agreement with the predictions of a deformed state in³⁸Ar that coexists with the spherical states.     

The parity of the 3134 keV,J=1 State in18F

The¹⁶O(³He,?γ)¹⁸F reaction atE(³He)=2.95 MeV was used to study the low-lying states in¹⁸F belowE _x =3.2 MeV. A combination of γ-ray angular distribution and linear polarization measurements using a single planar Ge(Li) polarimeter resulted in aJ ^π =1^? assignment to the 3134 keV state. In addition, the positive parity assignments to the 937(3⁺) and 1702(1⁺) keV states have been verified. Information on branching and mixing ratios as well as on lifetimes are reported. The results are discussed in terms of the weak-coupling and strong-coupling models.     

Structure of30Si from the spectroscopy of highly excited states

Highly excited states in³⁰Si were investigated using the²⁷Al(α, p γ) reaction. Proton-γ ray angular correlations were measured atE _α=12, 14.1 and 15MeV. At 15MeV linear polarizations ofγ-rays were measured in coincidence with protons using a five-crystal Compton-polarimeter. Lifetimes were measured atE _α=14.6 MeV using the Dopper-shift attenuation method. Unambigious spin-parity assignments were obtained for the levels at 6,865 (3⁺), 7,001 (5⁺), 7,079 (3⁺), 7,810 (4), 9,371 (6⁺), 7,613 (4^?), 8,196 (5^?), 8,596 (4^?), 8,963 (5^?), 9,111 (6^?), 9,350 (4^?), 9,507 (5^?), 9,777 (6^?), 10,188 (5^?), 10,305 (3^?), 10,561 (6^?), 10,725 (7^?), 11,477 (6^?) and 11,544 (7^?)keV excitation energy, respectively. The structure of³⁰Si is understood both in terms of the shell model and the collective model. The levels at 5,487, 6,505, 8,196, 9,777 and 11,544keV, respectively, are theI ^π=3^? through 7^? members of a well developedK ^π=3^? rotational band with intrinsic quadrupole moment |Q ₀|=350 _?70 ⁺²⁵⁰ mb. There is evidence of further rotational bands, among them aK ^π=3^? band with |Q ₀|=800 _?80 ⁺⁴²² mb.     

Deformed states of high spin in42Ca

The⁴²Ca levels at 4,715 and 6,633 keV excitation energy have been investigated using the³⁹ K(α,pγ reaction atE _α=14 and 15 MeV. From particle-γ-ray angular correlations the spin assignmentsJ(4,715)=6, 4 andJ(6,633)=8, 6, 4 have been obtained. Lifetime measurements using the Doppler-shift attenuation method yieldedτ (4,715)=120±46 fs andτ(6,633)=52±21 fs. Both levels have positive parity and decay by enhancedE2 transitions. They are interpreted as theJ ^π=6⁺ and 8⁺ members, respectively, of theK ^π=0⁺ rotational band which has theE _x =1,837, 2,423 and 3,250 keV states as further members. The enhancement of inbandE2 transitions is 50 _?16 ⁺³⁵ W.u. (6→4) and 63 W.u. (8→6) respectively. The intrinsic quadrupole moments which have been derived on the basis of the coexistence model, areQ ₀=1.13?0.16/+0.37b(8→6) andQ ₀=1.36±0.25b(6→4), respectively. TheJ ^π=10⁺ member of the rotational band has possibly been observed as a level at 8,856±5 keV excitation energy.     

Low-lying states in112In

Low-lying states below 500 keV excitation in¹¹²In have been investigated via the¹¹²Cd(p, nγ) reaction. New levels have been established atE ^x=206.5keV and 456.1 keV from the measuredγ-ray excitation functions,γ?γ coincidences and the precision measurements of the (p, n) threshold energy of the ground state and of the 206.5 keV state of¹¹²In. Spins and parities of the 206.5 keV state (2⁺) and the 456.1 keV state (3⁺) and multipolarities and mixing ratios of the deexcitationγ-rays have been determined from the angular distributions and linear polarizations of the deexcitation γ-rays as well as the excitation functions of the residual levels. Possible configurations of the newly-found levels are discussed. Half-lives of two states have been remeasured:T _1/2=15.2±0.1 min for the ground state andT _1/2=20.9±0.1 min for the 156.4 keV (4⁺) state. The ground stateQ-value for the¹¹²Cd(p, n)¹¹² In reaction has been measured to be ?3.376±0.006 MeV.