High-spin levels in138Ce and140Nd Observed in the (α, 4n γ) reactions

Levels of¹³⁸Ce and¹⁴⁰Nd have been studied using the¹³⁸Ba(α,4nγ)¹³⁸Ce and¹⁴⁰Ce(α, 4nγ)¹⁴⁰Nd reactions. Singleγ-ray spectra,γ-γ coincidence spectra, angular and time distributions with respect to the beam bursts have been measured. A number of higher excited states with excitation energies up to about 5 MeV and with spin value up to 12 are populated in both nuclei. The lower states with spins and parities 7^?, 5^?, 6^? and 10⁺ can be explained by two-quasiparticle neutron configurations of the types (h _11/2 ^?1 ,d _3/2 ^?1 ) 7^? , (h _11/2 ^?1 ,S _1/2 ^?1 ) 5^?, 6^? and (h _11/2 ^?2 ) 10⁺. Several high-spin states observed in¹³⁸Ce and¹⁴⁰Nd can be explained qualitatively as four-quasiparticle states with two-proton-two-neutron configurations. The 3^? state at an energy of 2,137.4 keV is observed in¹³⁸Ce. The evidence for the existence of the low-lying 3^? states in¹⁴⁰Nd at 2,124.0 keV is discussed. Beside the known 9.6 ms (7^?) isomeric state in¹³⁸Ce another state at 3,538.5keV (10⁺) with a half life of about 200 ns has been observed. The observed levels in the¹³⁸Ce and¹⁴⁰Nd nuclei are compared with theoretical predictions using delta force interaction.     

Collective excitations in145Ba

High-spin levels in¹²⁵Ba have been produced in the¹¹⁶Sn(¹² C, 3n) reaction and studied by in-beam spectroscopic methods. Two strongly populated band structures are observed. The odd-parity one is based on a 7/2^? state and can be explained as the result of the coupling between anh _11/2 neutron-hole and a prolate type triaxial core. The even-parity band, built on a 7/2⁺ state, corresponds to collective excitations associated with a neutron-hole in theg _7/2 shell. Comparisons with heavier odd-A Ba isotopes and discussions are made in the frame work of the triaxial core model. Nuclear Reactions¹¹⁶Sn(¹²C, 3nγ), E=45–55 MeV; measuredσ(E;E _γ,θ),γγ-coinc,γ-γ delay. Enriched target, Ge(Li) detectors.¹²⁵Ba deduced levels,J,π,γ-mixing.     

Particle-core coupling in141Nd

High-spin states in¹⁴¹Nd have been studied using in-beam γ-ray spectroscopic techniques via the¹³⁰Te(¹⁶O, 5nγ)¹⁴¹Nd reaction. The level scheme of¹⁴¹Nd has been extended up to an excitation energy of 7614.5 keV including 12 new γ rays deexciting 15 new levels. According to particle-vibrator coupling and semi-empirical shell model calculations, the level structure of¹⁴¹Nd can be well interpreted by coupling an h_11/2 neutron-hole to the respective excited states in¹⁴²Nd core.     

Particle-core coupling in 141Nd

High-spin states in 141Nd have been studied using in-beam γ-ray spectroscopic techniques via the 130Te(16O, 5nγ)141Nd reaction. The level scheme of 141Nd has been extended up to an excitation energy of 7614.5 kev including 12 new γ rays deexciting 15 new levels. According to particle-vibrator coupling and semi-empirical shell model calculations, the level structure of 141Nd can be well interpreted by coupling an h11/2 neutron-hole to the respective excited states in 142Nd core.     

Three-nucleon yrast states in145Sm

In-beamγ-ray and conversion electron measurements with (α, xn) reactions have established the¹⁴⁵Sm highspin states up toI ^π=25/2⁺ at 3.5 MeV excitation. A shell model analysis using empirical two- and one-body energies from neighbouring nuclei classifies the low-lying odd-parity levels as 3-quasiparticle states formed by the¹⁴⁴Sm two-proton-hole excitations and thef _7/2 valence neutron. The higher-lying positive-parity states involve particle-hole core excitations with one proton inh _11/2.     

The internal conversion of theN=81 Isotones139m Ce and141m Nd

A rapid gas-jet system was used for preparation ofβ ^?-samples of^139m Ce and^141m Nd. Conversion electrons and photons were detected simultaneously with absolutely calibrated detectors. Conversion coefficientsα _K = 0.0732±0.0023 andα _K=0.0824±0.0029, conversion ratiosK/L+...= 4.68±0.20 andK/L+...=4.58±0.23 were measured for^139m Ce, and^141m Nd, respectively. The calculated M4 values of Hager and Seltzer, and Dragoun et al. were confirmed within the experimental accuracy.     

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.     

Excitation of isomeric 1h 11/2 states in nuclear reactions induced by γ rays and neutrons and in beta decay

Isomeric ratios were measured for N=81 isotones (¹³⁵Xe, ¹³⁷Ba, ¹³⁹Ce, ¹⁴¹Nd, ¹⁴³Sm). In the experiment reported here, μ _ν ≤3±10^? J ^π=11/2^? isomers were excited in (n, γ) and (γ, n) reactions and in the β ⁺ decay of ¹³⁹Pr and ¹⁴¹Pm. In order to determine the reaction yields, use was made of the activation method involving measurement of the gamma-ray spectra of reaction products. It is found that, in the same reactions, isomeric ratios are different for isotones characterized by different atomic numbers Z. Isomeric ratios were calculated with the spectra of low-lying levels and radiative-transition probabilities established on the basis of the quasiparticle-phonon model. Good agreement between the experimental and calculated values of isomeric ratios is obtained for all isotopes invesigated here. The dependence of isomeric ratios on the atomic number Z of a nucleus is explained by the difference of reaction energies, which leads to different probabilities of excitation of activation levels through which the isomers being considered are populated.     

In-beam study and structure of the N = 82 nucleus 141Pr

High-spin states in ¹⁴¹Pr have been studied in the reactions ¹³⁹La(α, 2n)¹⁴¹Pr and ¹⁴⁰Ce(d, n)¹⁴¹Pr. Using in-beam spectroscopic methods energies, intensities, excitation functions, γγ coincidences, time and angular distributions and the linear polarization of γ-rays as well as conversion electron spectra were measured. Positive- and negative-parity states of ¹⁴¹Pr have been established for spin values up to $\text{J =}\text{27}\text{2}$ and E_x < 4750 keV including 19 news lvels. For three levels ns-lifetimes were determined. The experimental data on positive-parity states are in remarkable agreement with shell-model predictions. In the case of positive-parity states no evidence for particle-core coupling is found. The shell-model investigation suggests, however, that the negative-parity states in ¹⁴¹Pr as well as in ¹⁴³Pm can be explained by particle-core coupling.     

The study of the (n, α) and (n, γ α) reactions on143Nd

Partial cross sections have been measured for the¹⁴³Nd(n _th,α)¹⁴⁰Ce reaction and also for the two-step process¹⁴³Nd(n _th,γα)¹⁴⁰Ce. The results of the present work confirm previous data, but due to lower background, better statistics and resolution improved precision has been obtained. The double-humped structure in the observed (n, γ α) spectrum can still be explained through the Porter-Thomas fluctuations of the reduced partialγ andα widths.     

Levels in 138Ce by in-beam spectroscopy

Gamma ray and conversion electrons from levels in ¹³⁸Ce have been studied following the ¹³⁹La(p, 2n)¹³⁸Ce and ¹³⁶Ba(α, 2n)¹³⁸Ce reactions. A level scheme, based on the measurement of conversion coefficients, of gamma-ray angular distributions and excitation functions and of gamma-gamma coincidences, is proposed and compared with findings by other authors. Some transitions observed lead to levels not previously identified in gamma-ray work; in other cases new spin and/or parity assignments have been given. An indication on the nature of some of the observed states is obtained by comparing the experimental data with the predictions of the ALAGA model and of the IBM-2 model.     

High-spin states in the single-closed-shell nucleus 142Nd

The excited states of ¹⁴²₆₀Nd₈₂ have been studied using the ¹⁴⁰Ce(α, 2nγ)¹⁴²Nd and ¹⁴²Ce(α, 4γ)¹⁴²Nd reactions. Singles γ-ray, γ-γ coincidence spectra and angular distributions of γ-rays with respect to the beam direction have been measured. Excited states up to 6.7 MeV with spin values up to 14 are populated. The energy spacings between the lower excited states with spin values up to 8 are similar to those found in the lighter N = 82, even-Z isotones. The majority of the observed states with spin values up to 10 can be explained as two-quasiparticle states. Several of the highest-spin states can be explained qualitatively as fourquasiparticle states. Strong population of the highest excited states (at about 5.7 MeV) is noted, like in other N = 82 isotones. The observed levels in ¹⁴²Nd are compared with the shell model predictions using a simple δ-force interaction between two nucleons.     

The magnetic moment of the 10+ isomer in140Ce andE1 transitions inN=82 isotones caused by outer subshell configurations

Using the reaction¹³⁸Ba(α,2n)¹⁴⁰Ce the magnetic moment of the 10 ₁ ⁺ isomer atE _x =3714.7 keV in theN=82 nucleus¹⁴⁰Ce has been determined by means of the TDPAD method toμ=+10.3(4)μ _N . Measuredg-factors in¹⁴⁰Ce are compared to calculations within the shell model with configuration mixing. For the 10 ₁ ⁺ isomer in¹⁴⁰Ce the four proton configuration π(1g ₇ ^2/2 ,2d ₅ ^2/2 ) has been found to be dominant. From theg-factor measurement strong contributions of multiparticle excitations to thegp2d _3/2,π3s ₁ ² or π1h ₁₁ ² shells and admixtures of neutron excitations to the wave function of the 10 ₁ ⁺ state could be excluded. The strongE1γ-branch of the deexcitation of the 10 ₁ ⁺ isomer in¹⁴⁰Ce can be explained by means of small admixtures of configurations which contain the outer subshell excitationsπ2f _7/2 andπ1h _9/2. On this basisE1 transitions experimentally observed in theN=82 nuclei¹⁴⁰Ce,¹⁴¹Pr and¹⁴⁵Eu may be understood.     

Study of spin-orbit interaction of13C and15N nuclei in14C induced transfer reactions on138Ba

Angular distributions of single nucleon transfer reactions populating single particle states in the reactions¹³⁸Ba(¹⁵C,¹⁴N)¹³⁷Cs and¹³⁸Ba(¹⁴C,¹³C)¹³⁹Ba have been studied. The shapes of the angular distributions show differences for different final configurations. Using the reaction asymmetry it is possible to describe these differences consistently for all transitions by a spin-orbit potential. The polarisation of the outgoing fragments is discussed and its dependence on final configurations is explained. The spin-orbit potentials deduced from the reaction asymmetry are large, as compared to predictions of folding potentials. They are, however, consistent with measurements of spin-flip probabilities. The origin of theL-S interaction is to be found in coupling effects of second order in the heavy ion reaction.     

High spin isomer in151Sm

An investigation of the high spin isomer in¹⁵¹Sm was performed via the¹⁵⁰Nd(α, 3nγ) reaction at a projectile energy of 35 MeV. A newγ-transition, 693.6 keV was identified having an exponential delayed component. The transition feeds the 1912 keV state of the negative parity band built on theh _11/2 state. This transition was also observed in coincidence withγ-rays belonging to¹⁵¹Sm in theγ-γ coincidence experiment atE _α =37 MeV. A new isomeric state having energyE _x =2605.8 keV and half lifeT _1/2=23.1±3.5 ns is proposed.     

The Study of (<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>, 2<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>) Reaction Cross Sections for Ce and Nd Isotopes up to 20 MeV

Neutron cross section calculations for ¹³⁶Ce(n, 2n)¹³⁵Ce, ¹³⁸Ce(n, 2n)¹³⁷Ce, ¹⁴⁰Ce(n, 2n)¹³⁹Ce, ¹⁴²Ce(n, 2n)¹⁴¹Ce, ¹⁴²Nd(n, 2n)¹⁴¹Nd, ¹⁴⁴Nd(n, 2n)¹⁴³Nd, ¹⁴⁶Nd(n, 2n)¹⁴⁵Nd, ¹⁴⁸Nd(n, 2n)¹⁴⁷Nd, and ¹⁵⁰Nd(n, 2n)¹⁴⁹Nd were done in the incident energy range from 10 to 20 MeV. The calculations were performed using three codes TALYS-1.6 for two-component Exciton model, EMPIRE-3.2 Malta for Exciton model, and ALICE/ASH for the Geometry-Dependent Hybrid (GDH) model. The results of model calculations were compared with the available experimental data and also with the evaluated data in the TENDL-2015 (based on the modified TALYS code), ENDF/B-VII.1 libraries. The calculated cross section data were compared with the available experimental data obtained from EXFOR and also compared with semiempirical formulas around 14–15 MeV. The results of model calculation were found to be in good agreement with the experimental data given in literature and semiempirical data around 14–15MeV.     

Comparison of isobaric analog resonance experiments with unified model calculations for N = 83 nuclei

The 0₁⁺ and 2₁⁺ parentage expansion of excited states in ¹³⁹Ba, ¹⁴¹Ce and ¹⁴⁵Sm has been determined via the analysis of the elastic and inelastic scattering of polarized protons in the energy region of their analog resonances. The extracted spectroscopic information indicates that present unified model calculations give a considerable overestimate of the strength of characteristic configurations in the weak coupling structure.     

A=135核区N=79的同中异位素高自旋结构研究

摘要: 对清华大学在束γ谱实验组近年来在A=135缺中子核区N=79的同中异位素 135Ba, 137Ce和 139Nd的高自旋态实验研究进行了介绍。 实验是在中国原子能科学研究院HI 13串列加速器上用在束γ的实验技术、 分别通过重离子核反应 130Te(9Be, 4n), 124Sn(18O, 5n), 128Te(16O, 5n)进行的。 实验结果扩展了这3个核的高自旋态能级纲图。 研究表明, 这3个核的低自旋态结构均起源于 νh-111/2空穴与其偶偶核芯的耦合。 用粒子 转子模型对其结构进行了计算, 得到这3个核的形变参量γ值均稍大于30°, 为偏向于扁椭的三轴形变, 从而可看出Ba, Ce和Nd 3个同位素链在低自旋态下由长椭边到扁椭边的形状转变都发生在中子数N=77—79之间。 对于中等自旋态下一些能级的组态进行了指定与系统学比较。 在高自旋态下, 在 137Ce中发现一条γ≈－60°的扁椭形变带, 在 139Nd中则发现3条这样的扁椭形变带, 对这些扁椭形变带的起源及结构特性进行了讨论。 The progress of research on the high spin states at N=79 isotopes 135Ba, 137Ce and 139Nd in A=135 neutron deficient region by the research group of Tsinghua University has been reviewed. The experiments were carried out by using in beam γ ray spectroscopy technology and heavy ion nuclear reactions 130Te(9Be, 4n), 124Sn(18O, 5n) and 128Te(16O, 5n) at China Institute of Atomic Energy (CIAE). The high spin level schemes of these nuclei have been expanded. The results indicate that the lower spin states of these nuclei originated from νh-111/2 hole state coupling with the neighboring even even nucleus cores. All the deformation parameters γ values of these three isotones are larger than 30°, which indicates that they have triaxial deformation with oblate side. The prolate oblate transition in Ba, Ce and Nd isotopic chains indeed happens between N=77 and N=79. Through systematical comparison with the neighboring isotones, the configurations for some middle spin state levels have been assigned. At the high spin states, one oblate band in 137Ce and three ones in 139Nd with γ≈ -60° were discovered. The origination and structural character of these oblate bands have been discussed.     

10+ isomers observed in even-even 78-neutron nuclei

Isomeric states with spinI ^π=10⁺ were found in the nuclei¹³⁸Nd and¹⁴⁰Sm. These states are interpreted as having a [vh _11/2]^?2 configuration. The systematical behaviour of these isomers in the isotones¹³⁶Ce,¹³⁸Nd and¹⁴⁰Sm is discussed.