Discovery of 109Xe and 105Te: superallowed alpha decay near doubly magic 100Sn

Two new alpha emitters 109Xe and 105Te were identified through the observation of the 109Xe --> 105Te --> 101Sn alpha-decay chain. The 109Xe nuclei were produced in the fusion-evaporation reaction 54Fe(58Ni,3n)109Xe and studied using the Recoil Mass Spectrometer at the Holifield Radioactive Ion Beam Facility. Two transitions at Ealpha = 4062 +/- 7 keV and Ealpha = 3918 +/- 9 keV were interpreted as the l = 2 and l = 0 transitions from the 7/2+ ground state in 109Xe (T1/2 = 13 +/- 2 ms) to the 5/2+ ground state and a 7/2+ excited state, located at 150 +/- 13 keV in 105Te. The observation of the subsequent decay of 105Te marks the discovery of the lightest known alpha-decaying nucleus. The measured transition energy Ealpha = 4703 +/- 5 keV and half-life T1/2 = 620 +/- 70 ns were used to determine the reduced alpha-decay width delta2. The ratio delta105Te(2)/delta213Po(2) of approximately 3 indicates a superallowed character of the alpha emission from 105Te.     

Levels in124Te populated in the decay of124Sb

The levels in¹²⁴Te have been investigated by studying the gamma rays emitted following the decay of 60d¹²⁴Sb. Gamma-gamma coincidence spectra have been taken with gates set at 603, 646, 709, 714 and 723 keV gamma rays by using 105 cm³ Ge(Li)-110 cm³ HPGe coincidence system. 69 gamma rays have been observed and nine of them are reported for the first time. Four new levels in¹²⁴Te at 2512, 2550.2, 2808 and 2814.5 keV are proposed. Levels reported in literatures at 2412 and 2733 keV are excluded from the level scheme of¹²⁴Te based on the present study. The experimentally determined energy spectrum of low-lying positive parity states, B(E2) ratios and electric quadrupole moment of the first excited state are compared with the IBM-1 predictions.     

Cross section measurements of the Pd(p, γ)Ag, Sn(p, γ)Sb, and Sn(α, γ)Te reactions relevant to the astrophysical rp- and γ-processes

Total cross section measurements for the ¹⁰²Pd(p, γ)¹⁰³Ag and ¹¹⁶Sn(p, γ)¹¹⁷Sb reactions have been performed in the proton energy range 2.6 to 4.25 MeV, and for the ¹¹²Sn(α, γ)¹¹⁶Te reaction over the alpha beam energy range 7.0 to 10.5 MeV. An activation technique was used in which gamma rays from decays of the reaction products were detected off-line by two hyper-pure germanium detectors in a low background environment. Where possible, reaction rates are derived and the results compared to those of calculations generated by the NON-SMOKER and the MOST statistical model codes so as to judge their applicability for describing the cross sections needed for network calculations of nucleosynthesis in explosive astrophysical environments via the γ- and rp-processes.     

Double-beta decay Q values of Cd and Te

The Q values of the ¹¹⁶Cd and ¹³⁰Te double-beta decaying nuclei were determined by using a Penning trap mass spectrometer. The new atomic mass difference between ¹¹⁶Cd and ¹¹⁶Sn of 2813.50(13) keV differs by 4.5 keV and is 30 times more precise than the previous value of 2809(4) keV. The new value for ¹³⁰Te, 2526.97(23) keV is close to the Canadian Penning trap value of 2527.01 ± 0.32 keV (Scielzo et al., 2009) [1], but differs from the Florida State University trap value of 2527.518 ± 0.013 keV (Redshaw et al., 2009) [2] by 0.55 keV (2σ). These values are sufficiently precise for ongoing neutrinoless double-beta decay searches in ¹¹⁶Cd and ¹³⁰Te. Hence, our Q values were used to compute accurate phase-space integrals for these double-beta decay nuclei. In addition, experimental two-neutrino double-beta decay nuclear matrix elements were determined and compared with the theoretical values. The neutrinoless double-beta decay half-lives for these nuclei were estimated using our precise phase-space integrals and considering the range of the best available matrix elements values.     

Measurement of the branching ratio and asymmetry of the decay Xi degrees -->Sigma degrees gamma

We have studied the rare weak radiative hyperon decay Xi degrees -->Sigma degrees gamma in the KTeV experiment at Fermilab. We have identified 4045 signal events over a background of 804 events. The dominant Xi degrees -->Lambdapi degrees decay, which was used for normalization, is the only important background source. An analysis of the acceptance of both modes yields a branching ratio of B(Xi degrees -->Sigma degrees gamma)/B(Xi degrees -->Lambdapi degrees ) = (3.34+/-0.05+/-0.09)x10(-3). By analyzing the final state decay distributions, we have also determined that the Sigma degrees emission asymmetry parameter for this decay is alpha(XiSigma) = -0.63+/-0.09.     

Evidence for the alpha decay of108I

A Residue Implantation Detection System has been used in conjunction with the Daresbury Recoil Mass Separator in a search for radioactivity from the unknown nuclides¹⁰⁸I and¹⁰⁵Te. In the reaction of 260 MeV⁵⁸Ni ions with a⁵⁴Fe target two new decay lines at energies of 3.730±0.025 MeV and 3.885±0.025 MeV corresponding to cross sections of approximately 0.3 b and 0.4 b respectively were identified in theA=108 region of the separator's focal plane. These decay lines are tentatively assigned to the alpha decays of¹⁰⁸I. No evidence for a proton decay branch of this nuclide could be found. In a second reaction in which a⁵⁰Cr target was bombarded with 230 MeV⁵⁸Ni ions, no alpha decay peak from¹⁰⁵Te could be identified. Cross section dependent half life limits were determined from which correspondingQ-value limits were deduced.RDP, SJB and MF would like to thank the SERC for financial support during the course of this work and all of us would like to thank the crews at Daresbury for providing the⁵⁸Ni beams.     

Elastic compton scattering from the deuteron and nucleon polarizabilities

Cross sections for elastic Compton scattering from the deuteron were measured over the laboratory angles straight theta(gamma) = 35 degrees -150 degrees. Tagged photons in the laboratory energy range E(gamma) = 84-105 MeV were scattered from liquid deuterium and detected in the large-volume Boston University NaI spectrometer. Using the calculations of Levchuk and L'vov, along with the measured differential cross sections, the isospin-averaged nucleon polarizabilities in the deuteron were estimated. A best-fit value of (alpha;-beta;) = 2.6+/-1.8 was determined, constrained by dispersion sum rules. This is markedly different from the accepted value for the proton of (alpha;-beta;)(p) = 10.0+/-1.5+/-0.9.     

Observation of the neutron radiative decay

The aim of this work is the experimental observation of and research into a rare neutron mode, the radiative beta decay, where a new particle, the radiative gamma quantum, is formed along with the expected decay products: a beta electron, a recoil proton, and an antineutrino. The discovery of this rare neutron decay mode was conducted through identification of triple-coincidence events: simultaneous registration of a beta electron, a proton, and a radiative gamma quantum. The ordinary neutron decay was registered by double coincidences of a beta electron and a recoil proton. The statistics collected allow one to deduce the branching ratio (BR) BR = (3.2 ± 1.6) × 10⁻³ (90% C.L.) in the gamma energy region greater than 35 keV. This value of BR is consistent with standard electroweak theory. The text was submitted by the authors in English. An erratum to this article is available at .     

Search for weak transitions in the decay of125Sb and accurate gamma intensities

The weak transitions in the decay of¹²⁵Sb have been investigated through gamma ray measurements with high resolution X-ray and with large volume Ge(Li) detectors. The 172.6, 178.8 and 198.5 keV gamma rays are confirmed, while others previously reported were not. Accurate intensities were obtained for the stronger transitions. The weighted averages of these intensities which cover the range of 116 to 670 keV are useful for calibration of Ge(Li) systems.     

Decay of 59.3 min 128Sn to levels of 128Sb

The γ-ray spectra associated with the decay of 59.3 min ¹²⁸Sn have been measured with Ge(Li) detectors. In order to recognize γ-rays of ¹²⁸Sn and ^128mSb, the decay and/or growth of γ-rays emitted from a tin sample separated chemically from fission products were measured. The decay of ¹²⁸Sn is followed by the intense Sb X-rays and 32.1, 45.8, 75.1, 80.9, 115.9, 152.6, 404.4, 482.3, 557.3 and 680.2 keV γ-rays. On the basis of the measured singles and γ-γ coincidence spectra and the analysis of intensities of true sum peaks, a new decay scheme has been constructed. The 10.0 min isomer in ¹²⁸Sb decays by β-emission (96.4%) to excited levels in ¹²⁸Te and by an isomeric transition (3.6 %) to the 9.1 h ground state.     

Beta decay of 125Sb and level structures in 125Te

The decay of 2.76y ¹²⁵Sb to levels of ¹²⁵Te has been studied using an HPGe detector for gamma-ray and a mini orange electron spectrometer for conversion electron measurements. We identify 38 transitions in this decay, including 13 gamma rays and 4 conversion electron lines being reported for the first time. New results also include E1 multipolarity assignments to 3 newly observed transitions and M-shell conversion coefficient for the 109 keV M4 transition. A revised ¹²⁵Te level scheme is constructed using Ritz combination principle. While confirming the existence of 10 well established levels below 700 keV excitation, we introduce 3 other levels at 402.0, 538.6 and 652.9 keV. Interpretation of the observed levels in terms of various theoretical approaches is briefly discussed. The newly introduced 538.6 keV (1/2⁺) and 652.9 keV (3/2⁺) levels are seen as the two missing members of the (s _1/2 ⊗ 2⁺) and (d _3/2 ⊗ 2⁺) sextuplet in the quasiparticle-phonon coupling scheme.     

Measurement of the Ec.m. = 184 keV resonance strength in the 26gAl (p, gamma)27 Si reaction

The strength of the Ec.m. = 184 keV resonance in the 26gAl(p, gamma)27 reaction has been measured in inverse kinematics using the DRAGON recoil separator at TRIUMF's ISAC facility. We measure a value of omega gamma = 35 +/- 7 microeV and a resonance energy of Ec.m. = 184 +/- 1 keV, consistent with p-wave proton capture into the 7652(3) keV state in 27Si, and discuss the implications of these values for 26GAl nucleosynthesis in typical oxygen-neon white-dwarf novae.     

Ground state proton radioactivity from 121Pr: when was this exotic nuclear decay mode first discovered?

Ground-state proton radioactivity has been identified from 121Pr. A transition with a proton energy of E(p)=882(10) keV [Q(p)=900(10) keV] and half-life t(1/2)=10(+6)(-3) ms has been observed and is assigned to the decay of a highly prolate deformed 3/2(+) or 3/2(-) Nilsson state. The present result is found to be incompatible with a previously reported observation of ground-state proton radioactivity from 121Pr, which would have represented the discovery of this phenomenon.     

Beta decay of 103Sn

The β decay of ¹⁰³Sn, a three-neutron-particle nucleus with respect to the ¹⁰⁰Sn core, was investigated at the GSI on-line mass separator using an array of 17 germanium crystals and a total absorption spectrometer. A total of 31 β-delayed γ-rays (29 new) of the ¹⁰³Sn →¹⁰³ In decay were observed and, on the basis of β-γ-γ coincidences, the ¹⁰³Sn decay scheme was established for the first time. By means of total absorption spectroscopy, β intensities, the Gamow-Teller strength distribution and the summed Gamow-Teller strength value of 3.5±0.5 were determined for this decay. Its half-life and Q_EC value were found to be 7.0±0.2 s and 7.64±0.7 MeV, respectively. The β-delayed proton branching ratio was measured to be 1.2±0.1%. The results are discussed in comparison with shell-model predictions based on realistic and empirical interactions.     

Decay of126m Sb and the energy levels of126Te

The decay characteristics of 19 min^126m Sb have been studied using Ge(Li) and scintillation spectrometers. The sources of^126m Sb were obtained by the (n, p) reaction on enriched¹²⁶Te. The gamma rays of energies 414.4±0.3, 666.7±0.5 and 696.1±0.5 keV were found decaying with a half-life of 19 min. The study of beta spectra employing an anthracene crystal yielded two beta groups with end-point energies of 1.9±0.15 and 2.5±0.15 MeV. The results of singles and coincidence measurements have been incorporated into a decay scheme with excited states of¹²⁶Te at 666.7, 1,362.8 and 1,777.2 keV.     

Low-energy measurement of the 7Be(p,gamma)8B cross section

We have measured the cross section of the 7Be(p,gamma)8B reaction for E(c.m.) = 185.8, 134.7, and 111.7 keV using a radioactive 7Be target (132 mCi). Single and coincidence spectra of beta+ and alpha particles from 8B and 8Be* decay, respectively, were measured using a large acceptance spectrometer. The zero energy S factor inferred from these data is 18.5+/-2.4 eV b and a weighted mean value of 18.8+/-1.7 eV b (theoretical uncertainty included) is deduced when combining this value with our previous results at higher energies.     

Direct measurement of the 14N(p,gamma)15O S factor

The 14N(p,gamma)15O reaction regulates the rate of energy generation in the stellar CN cycle. Because discrepancies have been found in the analysis and interpretation of previous capture data, we have measured the 14N(p,gamma)15O excitation function for energies in the range E(lab)(p)=155-524 keV. Fits of these data using R-matrix theory yield a value for the S factor at zero energy of 1.68+/-0.09(stat)+/-0.16(syst) keV b, which is significantly smaller than the previous result. The corresponding reduction in the stellar reaction rate for 14N(p,gamma)15O has a number of interesting consequences, including an impact on estimates for the age of the Galaxy derived from globular clusters.     

Beta decay of 101Sn

The β decay of the very neutron-deficient isotope ¹⁰¹Sn was studied at the GSI on-line mass separator using silicon detectors for recording charged particles and germanium detectors for γ-ray spectroscopy. Based on the β-delayed proton data the production cross-section of ¹⁰¹Sn in the ⁵⁰Cr + ⁵⁸Ni fusion-evaporation reaction was determined to be about 60nb. The half-life of ¹⁰¹Sn was measured to be 1.9(3)s. For the first time β-delayed γ-rays of ¹⁰¹Sn were tentatively identified, yielding weak evidence for a cascade of 352 and 1065keV transitions in ¹⁰¹In. The results for the ¹⁰¹Sn decay as well as those from previous work on the ¹⁰³Sn decay are discussed by comparing them to predictions obtained from shell model calculations employing a new interaction in the ⁸⁸Sr to ¹³²Sn model space.     

Identification of the 109Xe and 105Te α-decay chain

The α-decay chain ¹⁰⁹Xe → ¹⁰⁵Te → ¹⁰¹Sn was identified at the Holifield Radioactive Ion Beam Facility. Advances in digital electronics have made possible the identification of both alpha emitters in the same experiment despite the disparate half-lives of 13 ±2 ms and 620 ±70 ns for ¹⁰⁹Xe and ¹⁰⁵Te, respectively. Two α-decay transitions were observed from ¹⁰⁹Xe with Q_α values of 4067 ±10 and 4217 ±8 keV. One transition between the ground states of ¹⁰⁵Te and ¹⁰¹Sn was observed with a Q_α value of 4889 ±6 keV. Using the measured half-lives, branching ratios, and Q_α values the reduced α-decay widths, δ², were determined. Comparison of the δ² value for ¹⁰⁵Te with ²¹³Po indicates a “superallowed" character in the α emission of ¹⁰⁵Te.     

Decay of a Resonance in 18Ne by the Simultaneous Emission of Two Protons

Radioactive ion beams of 17F were used to study several resonance states in 18Ne. Clear evidence for simultaneous two-proton emission from the 6.15 MeV state (Jpi = 1(-)) in 18Ne has been observed with the reaction 17F+1H. Because of limited angular coverage, the data did not differentiate between the two possible mechanisms of simultaneous decay, diproton (2He) emission or direct three-body decay. The two-proton partial width was found to be 21+/-3 eV assuming 2He emission and 57+/-6 eV assuming three-body decay. The total width of the 1(-) state was measured to be 50+/-5 keV. Several additional resonances that decay by single proton emission were also studied.