A multi NaI(Tl) detector array for medium energyγ-ray spectroscopy

An array of seven hexagonal NaI(Tl) detectors has been set up for measuringγ-ray spectra in the energy region 5 MeV ≤E _γ ≤ 40 MeV with good accuracy. This is in contrast to earlier set ups which mostly used one large sized (about 10 inchesφ × 15 inches long)NaI(Tl) detector. This set up has been made for the study ofγ decay of GDR based on high spin states and ultra-dipole radiations. The array has been provided with the following features: a) TOF discrimination against neutrons, b) pile up detection and elimination, c) active and passive shielding to cut down background and d) an array of trigger counters for multiplicity dependence measurements. The well known program EGS4 has been used to determine the response of the array forγ-rays in the energy region 5–40 MeV and several test measurements have been carried out to confirm the validity of the calculated response functions. Some typicalγ-ray spectra fromα and¹⁶O induced reactions measured at VECC, Calcutta and Pelletron accelerator at TIFR are also shown.     

A BaF2 crystal array for high energy γ-ray measurements

We shall discuss about the scientific motivation and construction of a 7×7 BaF₂ crystal array at Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre, Calcutta. This detector would be used to measure high energy γ-ray photons from GDR decay and proton-neutron bremsstrahlung reactions at the present 88″ cyclotron and upcoming superconducting cyclotron at VECC, Calcutta. This detector can also be used to measure photons from quark-gluon plasma at the relativistic heavy ion collider (RHIC) in USA.     

High spin spectroscopy of 139Pr

The high spin states in N=80 ¹³⁹Pr have been investigated by in-beam γ-spectroscopic techniques following the reaction ¹³⁰Te (¹⁴N, 5n) reaction at E=75 MeV, using a gamma detector array, consisting of seven 23% compton-suppressed high purity germanium detectors and a multiplicity ball of fourteen bismuth germanate elements. Based on γ-γ coincidence data, the level scheme of ¹³⁹Pr has been considerably extended up to 7.2 MeV excitation. Tentative spin-parity assignments are done for the newly proposed levels on the basis of the DCO ratios corresponding to strong gates and the available information from the earlier light ion experiments.     

Weak gamma-ray transitions of 1·440 MeV and 1·460 MeV in the decay of207Bi

The single gamma-ray spectra of²⁰⁷Bi were measured with 32 c. c. Ge(Li) detector. Evidence of gamma transitions of energies 1·440 MeV and 1·460 MeV is found. The relative intensity of these lines has also been estimated by measuring their photopeak areas. There is no evidence of the weak 0·9 MeV gamma as reported earlier (Alburger D. E.,Sunyar A. W., Phys. Rev.99 (1955), 695;Jar Dine L. J., Phys. Rev.C 11 (1975), 1385).The authors are grateful to the Director of the Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Calcutta for providing the facilities to work with the Ge(Li) detector at the Institute. We wish to thank Professor B. B.Baliga of the Institute for valuable discussions. Our thanks are due to Professor B. P.Singh, Head of the Physics Department of Roorkee University, Roorkee, for providing us with the facilities to perform the coincidence measurements in his laboratory.     

High spin states in 63Cu

Excited states of ⁶³Cu were populated via the ⁵²Cr+¹⁰O (65 MeV) reaction using the gamma detector array equipped with charged particle detector array for reaction channel separation. On the basis of γ-γ coincidence relations and angular distribution ratios, a level scheme was constructed up to E _n=7 MeV and J ^π=23/2⁽⁺⁾. The decay scheme deduced was interpreted in terms of shell model calculations, with a restricted basis of the f _5/2, p _3/2, p _1/2, g _9/2 orbitals outside a ⁵⁶ ₂₈Ni core.     

MEGHNAD — A multi element detector array for heavy ion collision studies

In the coming decade, the expanding field of experimental nuclear physics in our country is going to see a quantum leap in research and developmental activities with new accelerator facilities like the variable energy cyclotron with ECR heavy ion source, the upcoming K-500 superconducting cyclotron, both at VECC, Calcutta, and the superconducting linac boosters at both the Pelletron Accelerator Facilities at TIFR, Mumbai and NSC, New Delhi. When heavy ion beam available from such machines fall on a target and undergo collision, very rich and often pristine fields of research open up. In order to carry on such activities, we have taken up a project to build a multi element gamma, heavy ion and neutron array of detectors (MEGHNAD) to detect and study the properties of a wide variety of particles like neutrons, protons, light mass clusters, massive ejected fragments, and gamma rays with good solid angle coverage and efficiency. Design of the detector array, performance of the prototype detector and brief outline of the research programme to be undertaken with the detector array will be discussed. For MEGHNAD Project.     

Multidetector device for the detection of coincidences of charged particles and γ rays

A 4π position-sensitive, axisymmetrical assembly of Si-Au charged-particle detectors is proposed, implemented, and tested on a beam of heavy ions; the dimensions and structure of the device are conducive to the organization of coincidences of charged reaction products with discrete γ rays emitted by the daughter nucleus and registered by a system of ultrapure Ge detectors. First results are obtained from an investigation of the reaction ⁵⁸Ni(¹⁶O,α2pγ)⁶⁸Ge at E ₀=74.5 MeV. Zh. Tekh. Fiz. 68, 139–142 (April 1998)     

Nuclear levels in 228Th populated in the decay of 228Pa (II)

The electron-capture decay of ²²⁸Pa to levels in ²²⁸Th was studied using mass-separated sources and a γ-ray detection system consisting of five Compton-suppressed Ge detectors. A total of 87 levels were observed up to an excitation energy of 2 MeV which are connected by approximately 500 γ-ray transitions. The complete octupole quadruplet, three excited K ^π=0⁺ bands and two K ^π=2⁺ bands were identified below 1.4 MeV. The observed level structure is compared to calculations within the quasiparticle-phonon nuclear model. The surprisingly good agreement indicates that ²²⁸Th has less transitional character than hitherto assumed. Received: 30 March 1998     

Measurement of the ground state 2n pickup probability for 28Si+68Zn and its role in sub-barrier fusion enhancement

The ground state and excited state transfer yields for the 2-neutron pickup channel in the ²⁸Si+⁶⁸Zn system have been measured explicitly. The recoil mass separator at the nuclear Science Centre, New Delhi was used for the measurement. A NaI(T1) detector was used for detecting the deexcitation γ’s from the transfer products. The kinematic coincidence technique was employed for the transfer measurement. Simplified coupled channels calculations show that out of all transfer channels the major contribution to the sub-barrier enhancement comes from the ground state 2 neutron pickup channel with a ground state Q-value of+1.83 MeV.     

High-spin states in the A= 39 mirror nuclei 39Ca and 39K

High-spin states of the mass A= 39 mirror pair ³⁹K and ³⁹Ca were investigated via the fusion-evaporation reaction ²⁸Si +¹⁶O at 125 MeV beam energy. The Gammasphere array in conjunction with the 4π charged-particle detector array Microball and neutron detectors was used to detect γ rays in coincidence with evaporated light particles. The results of the first high-spin study of the T _z=−1/2 nucleus ³⁹Ca are discussed in terms of mirror symmetry and compared to spherical shell-model calculations in the 1d _3/2–; 1f _7/2 configuration space. Received: 18 August 1999     

γ-ray spectroscopy of excited states in 61 30Zn31

The ⁶¹ ₃₀Zn₃₁ isotope has been produced at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the fusion-evaporation reaction ⁴⁰Ca(²⁴Mg, 2pn)⁶¹Zn at 104MeV. The experimental set-up allowed γ-rays to be detected in the CLARION Ge detector array in coincidence with the detection of recoiling nuclei in the focal plane at the end of the recoil mass spectrometer. This provides a unique identification of γ-rays belonging to ⁶¹Zn. The excited states have been explored by means of recoil- γγ coincidences, and the resulting decay scheme comprises almost 70 transitions. The data reveal numerous non-yrast states and suggest a revised spin and parity assignment for a previously observed superdeformed band. The resulting decay scheme is compared to predictions from different sets of large-scale shell model calculations.     

High resolution gamma-ray spectroscopy of the27Al(p,γ)28Si resonance reaction

High resolution gamma-ray spectra have been measured from the²⁷Al (p,γ)²⁸Si reaction for the resonances atE _p=2·482, 2·511 and 2·735 MeV at ϑ _pγ=0°, 30°, 55° and 90° using a Ge (Li) gamma spectrometer. From the spectra and the angular distributions the properties of the resonance states have been obtained. These states are the isobaric analogues of the levels at 4·69, 4·75 and 4·93MeV levels respectively in the parent nucleus A²⁸l.     

Response of Makrofol polycarbonate plastic track detector to 1.1 MeV/N 54 132 Xe-ion

Makrofol polycarbonate plastic track detectors have been exposed to ₅₄ ¹³² Xe -ions of energy 1.1 MeV/N from the cyclotron beam. The bulk etch rate and track etch rate are measured for different temperatures and the activation energies are calculated. The maximum etched track length is compared with the theoretically computed range. The critical energy loss is (dE/dx) _c =5 MeV cm² mg⁻¹ for this detector material.     

Shape co-existence and structural evolution of thevi13/2 band in157Yb

The high-spin states of¹⁵⁷Yb have been studied via the reaction of¹⁴⁴Sm(¹⁶O, 3n) at¹⁶O energy of 90 MeV using techniques of in-beam γ-ray spectroscopy. Measurement of γ-γ-t coincidences was performed with 11 BGO(AC)HPGe detectors. Based on the γ-γ coincidence relationships and the measured results of γ-ray anisotropies and DCO ratios, the level scheme for¹⁵⁷Yb was established. The shape co-existence and structural evolution of thevi_13/2 band with increasing angular momentum in¹⁵⁷Yb have been discussed. The systematics of thevi_13/2 bands in theN=87 odd-A isotones have been compared.     

Study of fission track registration efficiency of γ-irradiated polyester track detector in solution medium

The fission track registration efficiency (K _wet) of the Garware polyester track (GPF) detector in solution has been determined with respect to the Lexan detector whose K _wet is very well known in the literature. The K _wet is found to be (1.2 ± 0.1) 10⁻³ cm. The track registration efficiency of the GPF detector in solution is better than the efficiencies of other nuclear track detectors reported in the literature. This implies that the threshold energies for track registration are different for different detectors and that GPF detector has a lower threshold-energy value. The effects of gamma irradiation in the dose range of 5–51 Mrad on the fission track registration efficiency (K _wet) of this track detector from the solution medium are also investigated. The results show that the K _wet values for the gamma-irradiated detectors in the above dose range in 2M HNO₃ solution medium decreases by ∼7–15%. The changes induced in the gamma-irradiated detectors as a function of gamma dose have also been studied by bulk-etch rate measurements.     

High spin states in77Se populated by the74Ge(α,n γ) reaction

⁷⁷Se has been investigated by the reaction⁷⁴Ge(,n) at 14 MeV. Gamma singles spectra, gamma angular distributions and gamma-gamma coincidences have been taken. A level scheme has been established, spins and parities have been assigned. States of a rotational band on the 1/2^– ground state, a rotational band on the 5/2^– 249.7 keV state and an anormal band have been identified. Nuclear Reaction ⁷⁴Ge(,n )E =14 MeV; measuredE ,I ,--Coin.,-ang. distr.⁷⁷Se deduced levels,J, . Enriched target, Ge (Li).     

Experimental study of the decay of147Pr to levels in147Nd

The decay of¹⁴⁷Pr produced by (γ, p) reaction on enriched¹⁴⁸Nd has been studied with Ge(Li) detectors and gamma-gamma coincidence methods. Half-life determinations, and accurate energy and intensity measurements for 84 gamma transitions have been performed. A level scheme with 21 levels including 62 of the transitions was deduced. Beta branch intensities were estimated from measured gamma intensities. Tentative spin and parity assignments are given.     

Decay of 1.643 h <Superscript>95</Superscript>Ru and its daughter's level structure

The decay of ⁹⁵Ru has been investigated by means of γ-ray spectroscopy. The ⁹⁵Ru nuclei were produced by the reaction ⁹²Mo( α, n) ⁹⁵Ru at a beam energy of 17MeV. High-purity Ge detectors have been used singly and in coincidence to study γ-rays in the decay of ⁹⁵Ru to ⁹⁵Tc. 132 γ-rays are reported, among them, energies and intensities for 127 transitions have been determined. A decay scheme of ⁹⁵Ru with 31 levels is proposed which accommodates 127 of these transitions. Spins and parities for three new levels are proposed from calculated log ft values, measured γ-ray branching ratios, and in-beam experiment results of the daughter nucleus ⁹⁵Tc. Combining with the high-spin states observed by in-beam γ-ray spectroscopy of previous decay works, the structure of the excited states of ⁹⁵Tc is discussed in the framework of the projected shell model.     

High-spin shell-model states near 56Ni

High-spin states of nuclei near doubly magic ⁵⁶Ni were studied with the reaction ²⁸Si(³⁶Ar,xpynzα) at 136 MeV beam energy. The Gammasphere array in conjunction with the 4π charged-particle detector array Microball and neutron detectors were used to detect γ rays in coincidence with evaporated light particles. The resulting extensive decay schemes of ⁵⁴Fe, ^54,55Co, ^56,57Ni, and ⁵⁸Cu are compared to shell model calculations in the fp shell. Received: 19 September 1998 / Revised version: 27 November 1998     

The E1 capture amplitude in 12C(α,γ0) 16O

An excitation function of the ground-state γ₀-ray capture transition in ¹²C (α,γ)¹⁶O at θ_γ = 90^° was obtained in far geometry using six Ge detectors, where the study of the reaction was initiated in inverse kinematics involving a windowless gas target. The detectors observed predominantly the E1 capture amplitude. The data at E = 1.32 to 2.99 MeV lead to an extrapolated astrophysical S factor S _E1(E ₀) = 90±15 keV b at E ₀ = 0.3 MeV (for the case of constructive interference between the two lowest E1 sources), in good agreement with previous works. However, a novel Monte Carlo approach in the data extrapolation reveals systematic differences between the various data sets such that a combined analysis of all available data sets could produce a biased estimate of the S _E1(E ₀) value. As a consequence, the case of destructive interference between the two lowest E1 sources with S _E1(E ₀) = 8±3 keV b cannot be ruled out rigorously. Received: 6 June 2001 / Accepted: 26 July 2001