Enhanced core polarization in (70)Ni and (74)Zn

The reduced transition probabilities B(E2;0(+) --> 2(+)(1)) of the neutron-rich (74)Zn and (70)Ni nuclei have been measured by Coulomb excitation in a (208)Pb target at intermediate energy. These nuclei have been produced at Grand Accélérateur National d'Ions Lourds via interactions of a 60A MeV (76)Ge beam with a Be target. The B(E2) value for (70)Ni(42) is unexpectedly large, which indicates that neutrons added above N=40 strongly polarize the Z=28 proton core. In the Zn isotopic chain, the steep rise of B(E2) values beyond N=40 continues up to (74)Zn(44). The enhanced proton core polarization in (70)Ni is attributed to the monopole interaction between the neutron in the g(9/2) and protons in the f(7/2) and f(5/2) spin-orbit partner orbitals. This interaction could result in a weakening of magicity in (78)Ni(50).     

0(gs)+ -->2(1)+ transition strengths in 106Sn and 108Sn

The reduced transition probabilities, B(E2; 0(gs)+ -->2(1)+), have been measured in the radioactive isotopes (108,106)Sn using subbarrier Coulomb excitation at the REX-ISOLDE facility at CERN. Deexcitation gamma rays were detected by the highly segmented MINIBALL Ge-detector array. The results, B(E2;0(gs)+ -->2(1)+)=0.222(19)e2b2 for 108Sn and B(E2; 0(gs)+-->2(1)+)=0.195(39)e2b2 for 106Sn were determined relative to a stable 58Ni target. The resulting B(E2) values are approximately 30% larger than shell-model predictions and deviate from the generalized seniority model. This experimental result may point towards a weakening of the N=Z=50 shell closure.     

(68)(28)Ni(40): Magicity versus superfluidity

The neutron-rich (66,68)Ni have been produced at GANIL via interactions of a 65.9A MeV 70Zn beam with a 58Ni target. Their reduced transition probability B(E2;0(+)(1)-->2+) has been measured for the first time by Coulomb excitation in a (208)Pb target at intermediate energy. The B(E2) value for (68)Ni(40) is unexpectedly small. An analysis in terms of large scale shell model calculations stresses the importance of proton core excitations to reproduce the B(E2) values and indicates the erosion of the N = 40 harmonic-oscillator subshell by neutron-pair scattering.     

Coulomb excitation of 68,70Cu: first use of postaccelerated isomeric beams

We report on the first low-energy Coulomb excitation measurements with radioactive Ipi=6- beams of odd-odd nuclei 68,70Cu. The beams were produced at ISOLDE, CERN and were post-accelerated by REX-ISOLDE to 2.83 MeV/nucleon. Gamma rays were detected with the MINIBALL spectrometer. The 6- beam was used to study the multiplet of states (3-, 4-, 5-, 6-) arising from the pi2p3/2 nu 1g9/2 configuration. The 4- state of the multiplet was populated via Coulomb excitation and the B(E2;6--->4-) value was determined in both nuclei. The results obtained illustrate the fragile stability of the Z=28 shell and N=40 subshell closures. A comparison with large-scale shell-model calculations using the 56Ni core shows the importance of the proton excitations across the Z=28 shell gap to the understanding of the nuclear structure in the neutron-rich nuclei with N approximately 40.     

B(E2) upward arrow measurements for radioactive neutron-rich ge isotopes: reaching the N=50 closed shell

The B(E2;0(+)(1)-->2(+)(1)) values for the radioactive neutron-rich germanium isotopes (78,80)Ge and the closed neutron shell nucleus 82Ge were measured at the HRIBF using Coulomb excitation in inverse kinematics. These data allow a study of the systematic trend between the subshell closures at N=40 and 50. The B(E2) behavior approaching N=50 is similar to the trend observed for heavier isotopic chains. A comparison of the experimental results with a shell model calculation demonstrates persistence of the N=50 shell gap and a strong sensitivity of the B(E2) values to the effective interaction.     

N = 14 shell closure in 22O viewed through a neutron sensitive probe

To investigate the behavior of the N = 14 neutron gap far from stability with a neutron-sensitive probe, proton elastic and 2(1)+ inelastic scattering angular distributions for the neutron-rich nucleus 22O were measured using the MUr à STrip detector array at the Grand Accélérateur National d'Ions Lourds facility. A deformation parameter beta(p,p') = 0.26 +/- 0.04 is obtained for the 2(1)+ state, much lower than in 20O, showing a weak neutron contribution to this state. A microscopic analysis was performed using matter and transition densities generated by continuum Skyrme-Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov and quasiparticle random phase approximation calculations, respectively. The ratio of neutron to proton contributions to the 2(1)+ state is found close to the N/Z ratio, demonstrating a strong N = 14 shell closure in the vicinity of the neutron drip line.     

Evolution of the N=50 shell gap energy towards 78Ni

Atomic masses of the neutron-rich isotopes (76-80)Zn, (78-83)Ga, (80-85)Ge, (81-87)As, and (84-89)Se have been measured with high precision using the Penning trap mass spectrometer JYFLTRAP at the IGISOL facility. The masses of (82,83)Ga, (83-85)Ge, (84-87)As, and 89Se were measured for the first time. These new data represent a major improvement in the knowledge of the masses in this neutron-rich region. Two-neutron separation energies provide evidence for the reduction of the N=50 shell gap energy towards germanium (Z=32) and a subsequent increase at gallium (Z=31). The data are compared with a number of theoretical models. An indication of the persistent rigidity of the shell gap towards nickel (Z=28) is obtained.     

Enhanced quadrupole collectivity at N = 40: the case of neutron-rich Fe isotopes

The transition rates for the 2(1)+ states in (62,64,66)Fe were studied using the recoil distance Doppler-shift technique applied to projectile Coulomb excitation reactions. The deduced E2 strengths illustrate the enhanced collectivity of the neutron-rich Fe isotopes up to N = 40. The results are interpreted using the generalized concept of valence proton symmetry which describes the evolution of nuclear structure around N = 40 as governed by the number of valence protons with respect to Z ≈ 30. The trend of collectivity suggested by the experimental data is described by state-of-the-art shell-model calculations with a new effective interaction developed for the fpgd valence space.     

Determination of the N=16 shell closure at the oxygen drip line

The neutron unbound ground state of (25)O (Z=8, N=17) was observed for the first time in a proton knockout reaction from a (26)F beam. A single resonance was found in the invariant mass spectrum corresponding to a neutron decay energy of 770_+20(-10) keV with a total width of 172(30) keV. The N=16 shell gap was established to be 4.86(13) MeV by the energy difference between the nu1s(1/2) and nu0d(3/2) orbitals. The neutron separation energies for (25)O agree with the calculations of the universal sd shell model interaction. This interaction incorrectly predicts an (26)O ground state that is bound to two-neutron decay by 1 MeV, leading to a discrepancy between the theoretical calculations and experiment as to the particle stability of (26)O. The observed decay width was found to be on the order of a factor of 2 larger than the calculated single-particle width using a Woods-Saxon potential.     

Z = 50 shell gap near 100Sn from intermediate-energy Coulomb excitations in even-mass 106-112Sn isotopes

Rare isotope beams of neutron-deficient 106,108,110Sn from the fragmentation of 124Xe were employed in an intermediate-energy Coulomb excitation experiment. The measured B(E2,0(1)(+)-->2(1)(+)) values for 108Sn and 110Sn and the results obtained for the 106Sn show that the transition strengths for these nuclei are larger than predicted by current state-of-the-art shell-model calculations. This discrepancy might be explained by contributions of the protons from within the Z = 50 shell to the structure of low-energy excited states in this region.     

Observation of isomeric decays in the r-process waiting-point nucleus 130Cd82

The gamma decay of excited states in the waiting-point nucleus (130)Cd(82) has been observed for the first time. An 8(+) two-quasiparticle isomer has been populated both in the fragmentation of a (136)Xe beam as well as in projectile fission of 238U, making (130)Cd the most neutron-rich N = 82 isotone for which information about excited states is available. The results, interpreted using state-of-the-art nuclear shell-model calculations, show no evidence of an N = 82 shell quenching at Z = 48. They allow us to follow nuclear isomerism throughout a full major neutron shell from (98)Cd(50) to (130)Cd(82) and reveal, in comparison with (76)Ni(48) one major proton shell below, an apparently abnormal scaling of nuclear two-body interactions.     

Structure of unstable nuclei near proton drip line

Gamov-Teller (GT) states in nuclei near the proton drip line are studied by using a microscopic Hartree-Fock (H-F) + Tamm-Dancoff approximation (TDA) (or random phase approximation (RPA)). The calculations predict that giant Gamow-Teller (GT) β-decays are possible for N=Z nuclei heavier than ₂₈⁵⁶Ni₂₈, carrying most of the sum rule strength. The amplitude of isospin T=1 admixed to the T=0 ground state in N=Z nuclei is also discussed in relation with Fermi β-decay sum rule. Finally, the shapes of unstable nuclei near the proton drip line are studied by using the finite-range droplet model (FRDM).     

Lifetime measurement of the 2(1)+ state in 20C

Establishing how and when large N/Z values require modified or new theoretical tools is a major quest in nuclear physics. Here we report the first measurement of the lifetime of the 2(1)+ state in the near-dripline nucleus 20C. The deduced value of τ(2(1)+)=9.8±2.8(stat)(-1.1)(+0.5)(syst) ps gives a reduced transition probability of B(E2; 2(1)+→0(g.s.)+)=7.5(-1.7)(+3.0)(stat)(-0.4)(+1.0)(syst) e2 fm4 in good agreement with a shell model calculation using isospin-dependent effective charges.     

Effect of 0h11/2 Level on Shell Model Calculations of ^105Sb and ^107Sb

The full and reduced shell model calculations have been carried out for the light odd-even ^105Sb and ^107Sb isotopes. The model space has been chosen as 1d5/2, 0g7/2, 1d3/2, 2s1/2, and 0h11/2 for the full calculations and excluded 0h11/2 for the reduced calculations. The reduced shell model calculations of ^105Sb and ^107Sb isotopes are presented for the first time. We obtain the energy spectra for the ^105Sb and ^107Sb isotopes in the full and reduced model space by using CD-Bonn two-body effective nucleon-nucleon interaction. The resulting energy spectra are compared to the experimental results to understand the effect of the 0h11/2 level on the shell model calculations. We draw conclusions about the right model space in the shell model calculations for the isotopes around the N =Z= 50 region of the periodic table.     

Properties and structure of N=Z nuclei within relativistic mean field theory

The axially deformed relativistic mean field theory with the force NLSH has been performed in the blocked BCS approximation to investigate the properties and structure of N=Z nuclei from Z=20 to Z=48.Some ground state quantities such as binding energies, quadrupole deformations, one/two-nucleon separation energies, root-mean-square (rms) radii of charge and neutron, and shell gaps have been calculated.The results suggest that large deformations can be found in medium-heavy nuclei with N=Z=38-42.The charge and neutron rms radii increase rapidly beyond the magic number N=Z=28 until Z=42 with increasing nucleon number, which is similar to isotope shift, yet beyond Z=42, they decrease dramatically as the structure changes greatly from Z=42 to Z=43.The evolution of shell gaps with proton number Z can be clearly observed.Besides the appearance of possible new shell closures, some conventional shell closures have been found to disappear in some region.In addition, we found that the Coulomb interaction is not strong enough to breakdown the shell structure of protons in the current region.     

Monopole effects,core excitations,and β decay in the A = 130 hole nuclei near ~(132)Sn

The proton and neutron cross-shell excitations across the Z = 50 shell are investigated in the southwest quadrant of ~(132) Sn by large-scale shell-model calculations with extended pairing and multipole-multipole force. The model space allows proton(neutron) core excitations, and both the low-and high-energy states for ~(130) In are well described, as found by comparison with the experimental data. The monopole effects between the proton orbit and neutron orbit are studied as the new monopole correction that perfectly reproduces the first 1~+ level in ~(130) In. The energy interval of proton(neutron) core excitations in ~(130) In lies in the range of 4.5-6.5(2.0-4.1) MeV, and the high energy yrast states are predicted as neutron core excitations. The decays are calculated among the A=130 nuclei of ~(130) In, ~(130) Sn and ~(130) Cd.     

Binding energies of near proton-drip line Z = 22-28 isotopes determined from measured isotopic cross section distributions

A new method is proposed to determine the binding energy(B)of near proton-drip line isotopes from isotopic cross section distribution.To determine B of Z=22-28 isotopes(with T_z=-2 and-5/2),the lack of cross sections for proton-rich isotopes in the 345A MeV~(78)Kr+~9Be is overcome by predicting the proton-rich isotopes from a newly discovered scaling phenomenon found in the proton-rich isotopes measured in the 140A MeV~(40,48)Ca(~(58,64)Ni)+~9Be reactions.The cross sections for proton-rich isotopes are verified to exponentially depend on the average binding energy per nucleon,based on which B of the Z=22-28 isotopes with T_z=-2 and-5/2 are determined from cross sections.The determined B of the isotopes are justified from obeying the scaling phenomenon of the difference between the mass of mirror nuclei.The cross sections for the Z=22-28 isotopes with T_z=-1 and-3/2,which in potential can be experimentally studied in mass storage ring,are also predicted.     

Quadrupole deformation of the self-conjugate nucleus 72Kr

We report on the first determination of the absolute B(E2;0+(1)-->2+(1)) excitation strength in the N=Z nucleus 72Kr. 72Kr is the heaviest N=Z nucleus for which this quantity has been measured and provides a benchmark in a region of the nuclear chart dominated by rapidly changing deformations and shapes mediated by the interplay of strongly oblate and prolate-driving orbitals. The deduced quadrupole deformation strength is in agreement with a variety of self-consistent models that predict an oblate shape for the ground state of 72Kr. Large-scale shell-model Monte Carlo calculations reproduce the experimental B(E2) value and link the result to the occupation of the deformation-driving g9/2 orbit.     

丰中子Zn核素奇特核结构讨论和展望

不稳定核结构是当前核物理研究的前沿热点问题之一,尤其是针对丰中子幻数核附近的区域。中子数N=40, 50附近镍区域核素展现出丰富的结构特征,激励了众多理论和实验研究。原子核的基本性质与核的结构密切相关,这里我们选择分析丰中子Zn(Z=30)同位素的基本性质来进一步了解这一核区的核结构特征。本文回顾了在欧洲核子中心(CERN)的ISOLDE测量Zn 同位素的实验,基于62–80Zn 核素基态和长寿命同核异能态的自旋、磁矩、电四极矩以及电荷均方根半径等基本性质,并结合各种大规模壳模型计算结果,系统地讨论了这一核区的壳结构演化、幻数特征、奇特形变和形状共存,以及核子间关联激发等物理现象。最后,基于已有的实验数据和物理现象,以及理论预言的 N=50以上镍核区的能级演化特征,我们提出在ISOLDE的共线共振电离谱装置上测量更加丰中子的81,82Zn 核素基本性质的实验设想。     

Spectroscopic study of neutron shell closures via nucleon transfer in the near-dripline nucleus 23O

Neutron single particle energies have been measured in 23O using the 22O(d,p)23O*-->22O+n process. The energies of the resonant states have been deduced to be 4.00(2) MeV and 5.30(4) MeV. The first excited state can be assigned to the nu d3/2 single particle state from a comparison with shell model calculations. The measured 4.0 MeV energy difference between the nu s1/2 and nu d3/2 states gives the size of the N=16 shell gap which is in agreement with the recent USD05 ("universal" sd from 2005) shell model calculation, and is large enough to explain the unbound nature of the oxygen isotopes heavier than A=24. The resonance detected at 5.3 MeV can be assigned to a state out of the sd shell model space. Its energy corresponds to a approximately 1.3 MeV sized N=20 shell gap, therefore, the N=20 shell closure disappears at Z=8 in agreement with Monte Carlo shell model calculations using SDPF-M interaction.