Coulomb excitation of230Th with32S,84Kr and142Nd projectiles

The Coulomb excitation measurements for the²³⁰Th nucleus with³²S,⁸⁴Kr and¹⁴²Nd projectiles are presented. The use of different projectiles allowed us to get information in the ground-state band and side bands. The energy spectrum of the ground-state band and of the lowest negative-parity band have been investigated up to the spin valueI=24⁺ andI=19^?(21), respectively. Five side bands (K ^π=0⁺, 2 ₁ ⁺ , 2 ₂ ⁺ , 1^?, 2^?) were observed also. The branching ratios for a large number of transitions in the spin regionI≦10 for π=+1 andI≦9 for π=? 1 are analysed. The full set of experimental data contains information on the mixing of the adiabatic states and on the nuclear response to the electromagnetic field ofγ-radiation. It is shown that the experimental data may be explained taking into account the coupling of the ground-β- and twoγ-bands and also of theK ^π=0^?, 1^? and 2^? negative-parity bands. An enhancement of the transitions from theγ-to theβ-band in respect to the transitions from theγ to the ground band and from theβ- to the ground band is reported. The mixing of the negative-parity bands is found to be typical for the alignment of the octupole-vibrational angular momentum. The strong spin dependence of the intrinsic matrix elements of the electric-dipole operator follows from the branching ratios of inter- and intra-band transitions from theK ^π=0^? states.     

Collective and two-quasiparticle states in 158Gd observed through study of radiative neutron capture in 157Gd

The level structure of ¹⁵⁸Gd has been studied using the prompt γ-rays and conversion electrons emitted following neutron capture in ¹⁵⁷Gd. The γ-ray energy and intensity measurements were made using both Ge(Li) detectors and a curved-crystal spectrometer. Conversion-electron energy and intensity measurements were made using two separate magnetic spectrometers: one to measure the primary electron spectrum and the other to measure the lower energy secondary electron spectrum. Some γ-γ coincidence measurements were also made among the secondary γ-rays. From these data, a neutron separation energy of 7937.1 ± 0.5 keV has been determined for ¹⁵⁸Gd. A level scheme containing 59 excited states with energies < 2.25 MeV, for which de-excitation modes have been identified, is proposed for ¹⁵⁸Gd. Many of these states have been grouped into rotational bands. A total of thirteen excited rotational bands with band-head energies below 2.0 MeV are contained in the level scheme. Features of the proposed level scheme include: the K^π = 0^?, 1^? and 2^? octupole-vibrational bands with band-head energies of 1263, 977 and 1793 keV, respectively; the γ-vibrational band at 1187 keV; three excited K^π = 0⁺ bands with band-head energies of 1196, 1452 and 1743 keV; several two-quasiparticle bands with band-head energies in keV (and K^π assignments) of 1380 (4⁺), 1636 (4^?), 1847 (1⁺), 1856 (1^?), 1920 (4⁺) and 1930 (1⁺). An analysis of (d, p) reaction data is presented which permits definite two-quasiparticle configuration assignments to be made to most of these latter bands. Evidence is presented which suggests strong mixing of some two-neutron and two-proton bands. A phenomenological four-band mixing analysis is made of the energy and E2 transition-probability data for the ground-state band and the three lowest-lying excited collective positive-parity bands. Good agreement with experiment is obtained. A Coriolis-mixing analysis of the octupole bands has been carried out and good agreement with the data on level energies and E1 transition probabilities to the ground-state band has been achieved. Values of Z, the ratio of the E1 transition matrix element with ΔK = 1 to that with ΔK = 0, involving the octupole bands and the first four 0⁺ bands are derived. For three of these 0⁺ bands, absolute values of these matrix elements are deduced. An interesting alternation in the sign of Z is observed for these four 0⁺ bands.     

Studying parity-nonconservation effect in the conversion transition between the levels of the (5/2)± doublet in the 229Pa nucleus

Effects of weak nucleon interaction are calculated for the ground-state doublet of 5/2^± levels of the strongly deformed nucleus ²²⁹Pa₉₁. A parity-nonconservation effect in the doublet states can be observed in the conversion spectrum for the isomeric transition between the doublet levels. By using a generalized model of the nucleus, the matrix element of the effective one-nucleon weak-interaction potential, which determines the weight of the opposite parity admixture in the doublet components is estimated in the single-particle approximation. The reduced probabilities of the E1 and M1 nuclear transitions between the doublet states are calculated within various models of the deformed nuclear potential. The effect of Coriolis forces on the dipole electric transition in question is considered. The lifetime of the upper doublet state is estimated.     

New results on the superdeformed 196Pb nucleus: decay of the excited bands to the yrast band

The study of the superdeformed ¹⁹⁶Pb nucleus has been revisited using the EUROGAMphase 2 array. In addition to the known yrast and two excited SD bands, a third excited SD band has been found. All of the three excited bands were found to decay to the yrast SD band through presumably E1 transitions. Comparisons with calculations using RPAapproximation indicate that the excited bands can be interpreted as octupole-vibrational structures.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">E</Emphasis>2 transitions between excited single-phonon states: Role of ground-state correlations

The probabilities for E2 transitions between low-lying excited 3^? and 5^? single-phonon states in the ²⁰⁸Pb and ¹³²Sn magic nuclei are estimated on the basis of the theory of finite Fermi systems. The approach used involves a new type of ground-state correlations, that which originates from integration of three (rather than two, as in the random-phase approximation) single-particle Green’s functions. These correlations are shown to make a significant contribution to the probabilities for the aforementioned transitions.     

Levels in 156Gd studied in the (n, γ) reaction

Levels up to 2.3 MeV in ¹⁵⁶Gd have been studied using the (n, γ) reaction. Energies and intensities of low-energy γ-rays and electrons emitted after thermal neutron capture have been measured with a curved-crystal spectrometer, Ge(Li) detectors and a magnetic electron spectrometer. High-energy (primary) γ-rays and electrons have been measured with Ge(Li) detectors and a magnetic spectrometer. The high-energy γ-ray spectrum has also been measured in thermal neutron capture in 2 keV resonance neutron capture. The neutron separation energy in ¹⁵⁶Gd was measured as S_n = 8535.8 ± 0.5 keV.About 600 transitions were observed of which ~50% could be placed in a level scheme containing more than 50 levels up to 2.3 MeV excitation energy. 42 of these levels were grouped into 15 excited bands. In addition to the β-band at 1050 keV we observe 0⁺ bands at 1168, 1715 and 1851 keV. Other positive-parity bands are: 1⁺ bands at 1966, 2027 and 2187 keV; 2⁺ bands at 1154 (γ-band) and 1828 keV; and 4⁺ bands at 1511 and 1861 keV. Negative-parity bands are observed at 1243 keV (1^?), 1366 keV (0^?), 1780 keV (2^?) and 2045 keV (4^?). Reduced E2 and E0 transition probabilities have been derived for many transitions. The ground band, the β- and γ-bands and the 0⁺ band at 1168 keV have been included in a phenomenological four-band mixing calculation, which reproduces well the experimental energies and E2 transition probabilities.The lowest three negative-parity (octupole) bands of which the 0^? and the 1^? bands are very strongly mixed, were included in a Coriolis-coupling analysis, which reproduces well the observed energies. The E1 transition probabilities to the ground band are also well reproduced, while those from the higher-lying 0⁺ bands to the octupole bands are not reproduced. Absolute and relative transition probabilities have been compared with predictions of the IBA model and the pairingplus-quadrupole model. Both models reproduce well the E2 transitions from the γ-band, while strong disagreements are found for the E2 transitions from the β-band. The IBA model predicts part of the decay features of the higher lying 2⁺₂, 4⁺₁ and 2^?₁ bands.     

Electromagnetic transitions in the ground-state rotational band of159Tb

The ground-state band of¹⁵⁹Tb has been Coulomb excited up to spin 23/2 by 151-MeV⁴⁰Ar ions. The lifetimes of the 9/2 to 23/2 levels have been determined by combining results obtained with the RD and DSA methods, theE2/M1 mixing ratios for ΔI=1 transitions have been measured using angular correlation techniques and the branching ratios for the levels up to spin 17/2 have been determined. The energies of the levels and the reducedM1 andE2 transition probabilities for their decay have been compared with the predictions of the rotational model, without and with ΔK=1 admixtures. No satisfactory agreement could be achieved for all available experimental data simultaneously.     

High-spin spectroscopy of168Hf

The nucleus¹⁶⁸Hf was studied up to spin (38⁺) in the yrast band and to spins (41^?) and (38^?) in the lowest two negative-parity bands. The onset of a proton alignment (h_9/2 or i_13/2 quasiparticles) is observed in these three bands for the highest transitions. A new band with even spins and negative parity was found. The interaction strength between the ground-state band and theAB band is measured.     

Inversion-rotation spectrum and spectroscopic parameters of 14ND3 in the ground state

The far-infrared spectrum of ¹⁴ND₃ has been recorded in the region between 30 and 220 cm^?1 at a resolution, before deconvolution, of approximately 0.004 cm^?1. ΔJ = +1, ΔK = 0, a ← s and s ← a inversion-rotation transitions have been measured and assigned up to J″ = 19. These transitions, the pure inversion-microwave transitions and ground-state combination differences from the analysis of the ν₂ and ν₄ bands have been fitted simultaneously to an inversion-rotational Hamiltonian which includes Δk = ±3 and Δk = ±6 interaction terms. The ground-state spectroscopic parameters obtained in this way reproduce the transition frequencies within the accuracy of the measurements.     

Multiple coulomb excitation of 167Er

The ground-state rotational band in ¹⁶⁷Er has been investigated through multiple Coulomb excitation with a 160 MeV ³⁵Cl beam. Excited states up to $\text{25}\text{2}{}^{\mathrm{+}}$ were established by measuring γγ coincidences and γ-ray angular distributions. Gamma-gamma angular correlations were also measured. Nuclear lifetimes of levels up to spin $\text{23}\text{2}$ have been determined from Doppler-broadened γ-ray lineshapes, and B(M1) and B(E2) values of intra-band transitions deduced. Considerable signature dependence was observed for level energies and M1 transition probabilities. A Coriolis band-mixing calculation was carried our for comparison with the experimental results. The measured M1 transition probabilities are compared to calculations based on a particle-rotor model, a cranking model, and a microscopic model with quantum-number projection.     

Investigations of Properties of <Superscript>89</Superscript>Y Levels with Reactor Fast Neutrons

By employing a beam of reactor fast neutrons, the spectrum of gamma rays up to an energy of 4.6MeV and their angular distributions with respect to the neutron-beamaxis aremeasured in the reaction ⁸⁹Y(n, n'γ). The multipolarities and multipole-mixture parameters for 34 gamma transitions and the spin–parities J^π of states excited in this reaction are determined. The lifetimes of the lowest 32 levels of 89Y were measured by the Doppler shift attenuation method, and the reduced probabilities for the respective gamma transitions were calculated. Levels of the K^π = +5/2⁺ and K^π = ?7/2⁺ bands associated with, respectively, prolate and oblate deformation shapes are found in ⁸⁹Y at low excitation energies.     

Reduced probabilities for <Emphasis Type="Italic">E</Emphasis>2 transitions between excited collective states of triaxial even–even nuclei

Reduced probabilities for intra- and interband E2 transitions in excited collective states of even–even lanthanide and actinide nuclei are analyzed on the basis of a model that admits an arbitrary triaxiality. They are studied in detail in the energy spectra of ¹⁵⁴Sm, ¹⁵⁶Gd, ¹⁵⁸Dy, ^162,164Er, ^230,232Th, and ^{232,234,236,238}U even–even nuclei. Theoretical and experimental values of the reduced probabilities for the respective E2 transitions are compared. This comparison shows good agreement for all states, including high-spin ones. The ratios of the reduced probabilities for the E2 transitions in question are compared with results following from the Alaga rules. These comparisons make it possible to assess the sensitivity of the probabilities being considered to the presence of quadrupole deformations.     

Theoretical analysis of experimental data on 160Dy that were obtained in studying beta decay

Nonadiabatic effects manifesting themselves in the energies of excited states and in the probabilities for electric transitions in ¹⁶⁰Dy are studied on the basis of a phenomenological model of the nucleus. The energies of positive-parity low-lying states and the reduced probabilities B(E2) for both intraband and interband transitions between them are calculated. A comparison with experimental data is performed.     

Magnetic moments in the backbending region

Interpreting backbending as the crossing between the ground-state band and an aligned two-quasiparticle band, the change of the g-factor in the backbending region is related to the aligned angular momentum extracted from the experimental spectrum. Illustrative examples are discussed. The hybridization of the bands in the crossing region smooths the jump of the g-factor and causes strong M1 transitions between the yrare and yrast levels.     

Observation of intrinsic excitation in 160Dy following heavy-ion transfer reactions

The population of sidebands in ¹⁶⁰Dy has been observed following the ¹⁶¹Dy(⁵⁸Ni, ⁵⁹Ni) ¹⁶⁰Dy reaction. The intensity of discrete transitions in these bands, identified using particle-γ−γ coincidence measurements, was found to be weak compared to the ground-state band. A peak of width 500–600 keV at about 1 MeV, observed in the NaI spectra, is attributed to the decay of two- quasiparticle states to the ground-state band. A second peak at 400–500 keV is attributed to transitions between 2-quasiparticle states.     

The ground-state rotational band in 159Tb

162 MeV ⁴⁰Ca ions have been used to Coulomb excite the ground-state band of ¹⁵⁹Tb up to spin $\text{25}\text{2}$. Lifetimes for levels up to spin $\text{25}\text{2}$ have been determined with DSA and recoil distance methods. Multipole mixing ratios for several cascade transitions were extracted from an analysis of γ-ray angular correlation data. Reduced transition probabilities thus deduced in a model-independent way were found to be in agreement with the rotational model with Q₀ = 7.41 ± 0.06 e · b and g_K?g_R = 1.377 ± 0.010.     

Coulomb excitation studies of 160Dy, 162Dy and 164Dy

Coulomb excitation measurements with ¹⁶O and ⁴He projectiles have been performed on ¹⁶⁰Dy, ¹⁶²Dy, and ¹⁶⁴Dy. The ground-state rotational bands up through the 8⁺ member were observed in the ¹⁶O experiments. The measured excitation probabilities yield B(E2; I → I ?2) values which are generally in agreement with the rotational predictions except for the 6⁺ → 4⁺ values. In each nucleus, probabilities for exciting the 2⁺, 4⁺, and 6⁺ members of the γ-vibrational band were measured and compared with calculated results. The B (E2; 0⁺ → 2⁺γ) values were measured in experiments involving ⁴He ions. The K^π = 2^? octupole band was observed in each nucleus in addition to 1^? bands in ¹⁶⁰Dy and ¹⁶²Dy. Excitation probabilities were analyzed in an attempt to extract B(E3) values.     

Electronic branching ratios of spontaneous emission for transitions between states of the 3d and 2p singlet complexes of terms of H2

The ratios of probabilities (the electronic branching ratios) for the rovibronic spontaneous transitions are for the first time measured for transitions from the rotational levels with J′≤6 of the I ¹Π _g ^? , v′=0–2 and J ¹Δ _g ^? , v′=0 states to the vibrational-rotational levels of different low-lying electronic states B ¹Σ _u ⁺ , v″, J′ and C ¹Π _u ^? , v?, J′?1 of the H₂ molecule (for the vibrational quantum numbers v″≤4 and v?≤2). Values of these quantities provide a new channel of information on the internal structure of the hydrogen molecule thus far unused and should be particularly sensitive to the adiabatic values of the electronic transition dipole moments. In studying the entire set of rovibronic radiative transitions, they may significantly add to the experimental data on rovibronic terms, radiative lifetimes, and vibrational and rotational branching ratios used before. The experimental data obtained are compared to the corresponding values derived from the results of an earlier semiempirical determination and ab initio calculation of the absolute transition probabilities. Our experimental data are in remarkable agreement with the semiempirical results and significantly differ from the ab initio results. This fact directly suggests the necessity of performing more accurate ab initio calculations of the rovibronic transition probabilities for the given systems of bands.     

Collective and intrinsic structures in 183W

The structure of ¹⁸³W has been studied by employing the ¹⁷⁶Yb(¹⁴C,α3n) reaction at 68 MeV. Five previously known rotational structure with one-quasiparticle configurations have been extended to higher spin states, and five new rotational bands with three- and five-quasiparticle configurations and a γ-vibration of a one-quasiparticle structure have been newly identified. In the ν7/2⁻[503] and ν11/2⁺[615] rotational structures, a signal of an admixture of an octupole-vibrational structure has been observed in their in-band B(M1)/B(E2) ratios and g_K factors. In the K^π=19⁻ rotational band, a Coriolis effect on the ν1/2⁻[510] neutron has been identified. In all, 17 K-forbidden transitions have been observed. Energies of intrinsic states below 4 MeV have been calculated based on the Blocked BCS theory, and they are used in support of the configuration assignments.