M. Huyse

Coexistence in even-mass nuclei

Abstract Shape coexistence in doubly even nuclei is reviewed. Two main theoretical approaches are presented. The first is essentially the shell model with the excitation of pairs of protons and/or neutrons across closed shells or subshells together with a residual proton-neutron interaction. The second is the deformed mean-field approach. The first is broadly defined so that it includes various truncation schemes to the shell model including generalized seniority and the interacting boson model. The presentation of the theory has two main aims: to provide a framework into which the majority of theoretical studies of shape coexistence can be placed and to provide a framework within which a unified view can be discussed. Selected experimental data are shown from 16 O to 238 U. Our criteria for selection emphasize detailed spectroscopic evidence (“fingerprints”) for coexisting shapes.

A triplet of differently shaped spin-zero states in the atomic nucleus 186 Pb

Understanding the fundamental excitations of many-fermion systems is of significant current interest. In atomic nuclei with even numbers of neutrons and protons, the low-lying excitation spectrum is generally formed by nucleon pair breaking and nuclear vibrations or rotations. However, for certain numbers of protons and neutrons, a subtle rearrangement of only a few nucleons among the orbitals at the Fermi surface can result in a different elementary mode: a macroscopic shape change. The first experimental evidence for this phenomenon came from the observation of shape coexistence in 16O (ref. 4). Other unexpected examples came with the discovery of fission isomers and superdeformed nuclei. Here we find experimentally that the lowest three states in the energy spectrum of the neutron deficient nucleus 186Pb are spherical, oblate and prolate. The states are populated by the α-decay of a parent nucleus; to identify them, we combine knowledge of the particular features of this decay with sensitive measurement techniques (a highly efficient velocity filter with strong background reduction, and an extremely selective recoil-α-electron coincidence tagging method). The existence of this apparently unique shape triplet is permitted only by the specific conditions that are met around this particular nucleus.

MINIBALL A Ge detector array for radioactive ion beam facilities

Abstract Dedicated Ge-detector arrays are being developed for the investigation of rare γ decays with low γ-ray multiplicity at the upcoming radioactive ion beam facilities. These arrays are optimized for the high full-energy peak efficiency and angular resolution of the γ-ray detection needed for a proper Doppler correction of the γ-rays emitted by fast recoiling nuclei. MINIBALL will consist of 40 six-fold segmented, encapsulated Ge detectors which are clustered in eight cryostats with three detectors each and four cryostats with four detectors, respectively. The individual components - the six-fold segmented Ge detector, the cryostats, the fast preamplifier, the digital pulse-processing electronics and the mechanical frame - and their properties are described. The results of test measurements with the first MINIBALL cluster detector using a 137 Cs source and the in-beam reaction D( 37 Cl, n) 38 Ar are presented. It is shown that from pulse-shape analysis of the events within a detector segment the effective granularity of the MINIBALL array can be enhanced from 240 to ∼ 4000. The specifications of MINIBALL are compiled on the basis of experimental data. First results with a 12-fold segmented, encapsulated detector are discussed with respect to the feasibility of future γ-ray tracking arrays.

A shell-model description of 0+ intruder states in even-even nuclei

Abstract Starting from the nuclear shell structure in medium-heavy and heavy nuclei, the excitation energy for low-lying 0 + intruder states is studied. Taking as a simplified model two particle-two hole (2p-2h) excitations across closed shells, the effects of the pairing and the proton-neutron (monopole and quadrupole component) residual interaction on the unperturbed energies are calculated. Application to major closed-shell ( fZ = 50, Z = 82) and to subshell ( Z = 40, Z = 64) regions is performed. We especially concentrate on 0 + intruder states in the even-even Pb nuclei.

Studies of pear-shaped nuclei using accelerated radioactive beams

There is strong circumstantial evidence that certain heavy, unstable atomic nuclei are ‘octupole deformed’, that is, distorted into a pear shape. This contrasts with the more prevalent rugby-ball shape of nuclei with reflection-symmetric, quadrupole deformations. The elusive octupole deformed nuclei are of importance for nuclear structure theory, and also in searches for physics beyond the standard model; any measurable electric-dipole moment (a signature of the latter) is expected to be amplified in such nuclei. Here we determine electric octupole transition strengths (a direct measure of octupole correlations) for short-lived isotopes of radon and radium. Coulomb excitation experiments were performed using accelerated beams of heavy, radioactive ions. Our data on 220Rn and 224Ra show clear evidence for stronger octupole deformation in the latter. The results enable discrimination between differing theoretical approaches to octupole correlations, and help to constrain suitable candidates for experimental studies of atomic electric-dipole moments that might reveal extensions to the standard model.

Accelerated radioactive beams from REX-ISOLDE

In 2001 the linear accelerator of the Radioactive beam EXperiment (REX-ISOLDE) delivered for the first time accelerated radioactive ion beams, at a beam energy of 2 MeV/u. REX-ISOLDE uses the method of charge-state breeding, in order to enhance the charge state of the ions before injection into the LINAC. Radioactive singly-charged ions from the on-line mass separator ISOLDE are first accumulated in a Penning trap, then charge bred to an A/q < 4.5 in an electron beam ion source (EBIS) and finally accelerated in a LINAC from 5 keV/u to energies between 0.8 and 2.2 MeV/u. Dedicated measurements with REXTRAP, the transfer line and the EBIS have been carried out in conjunction with the first commissioning of the accelerator. Thus the properties of the different elements could be determined for further optimization of the system. In two test beam times in 2001 stable and radioactive Na isotopes (Na-23-Na-26) have been accelerated and transmitted to a preliminary target station. There Ni-58- and Be-9- and H-2-targets have been used to study exited states via Coulomb excitation and neutron transfer reactions. One MINIBALL triple cluster detector was used together with a double sided silicon strip detector to detect scattered particles in coincidence with gamma-rays. The aim was to study the operation of the detector under realistic conditions with gamma-background from the beta-decay of the radioactive ions and from the cavities. Recently for efficient detection eight tripple Ge-detectors of MINIBALL and a double sided silicon strip detector have been installed. We will present the first results obtained in the commissioning experiments and will give an overview of realistic beam parameters for future experiments to be started in the spring 2002.

Measurement of the first ionization potential of astatine by laser ionization spectroscopy

The radioactive element astatine exists only in trace amounts in nature. Its properties can therefore only be explored by study of the minute quantities of artificially produced isotopes or by performing theoretical calculations. One of the most important properties influencing the chemical behaviour is the energy required to remove one electron from the valence shell, referred to as the ionization potential. Here we use laser spectroscopy to probe the optical spectrum of astatine near the ionization threshold. The observed series of Rydberg states enabled the first determination of the ionization potential of the astatine atom, 9.31751(8) eV. New ab initio calculations are performed to support the experimental result. The measured value serves as a benchmark for quantum chemistry calculations of the properties of astatine as well as for the theoretical prediction of the ionization potential of superheavy element 117, the heaviest homologue of astatine.

Identification of the doubly-magic nucleus 100Sn in the reaction 112Sn+natNi at 63 MeV/nucleon

Abstract We report on the production of the doubly-magic nucleus 100 Sn and other proton-rich nuclei in the A ∼ 100 region in the reaction 112 Sn + nat Ni at 63 MeV/nucleon. The experiment was carried out using the high acceptance device SISSI and the Alpha and LISE3 spectrometers at GANIL. The identification of the reaction products ( A , Z and Q ) was made using the measurements of time-of-flight, energy-loss and kinetic energy.

The SPIG, improvement of the efficiency and beam quality of an ion-guide based on-line isotope separator

Abstract A SPIG (Sextupole Ion Beam Guide) has been constructed and tested to couple an ion-guide based ion source to an on-line isotope separator. In comparison to a skimmer, the SPIG offers both an increased beam quality and the possibility to operate the ion-guide at higher buffer gas pressures.

Comparison of radioactive ion-beam intensities produced by means of thick targets bombarded with neutrons, protons and heavy ions

Abstract Target and ion-source techniques which allow rapid separation of thermalized radioactive nuclei from 1–500 g cm 2 thick irradiated target material and continuously convert them into a mono-isotopic ion beam have been proven to be a powerful method of radiochemical separation. These techniques combine nuclear reactions with high-temperature chemistry, metallurgy, solid-state diffusion, and ionization phenomena. Developed at the many mass separators on-line to various accelerators or reactors they are today widely used to produce low-energy (10–60 keV) radioactive ion-beams for physics experiments. Since some years they have reached a stage of development that allows the production of high-intensity beams of up to 1012 ions/s of radioactive isotopes of most elements in the periodic system. Such on-line mass separators seem to be excellent injectors to a second accelerator which accelerates up to 20 MeV/u. This paper discusses the radioactive beam intensities that may be injected into proposed or working European radioactive ion-beam facilities which make use of such injectors. First a short introduction is given to the technique of on-line mass separation. This is followed by a detailed discussion of the three factors that determine the production rates in the target, i.e. reaction cross-sections, primary beam properties, and target thicknesses, and by a discussion of the more decisive factors that control the efficiency with which the radioactive nuclei produced in the target can be transformed into an injection ion-beam of typically 10–60 keV energy. Throughout the discussion the influence of new developments is assessed. Finally, selected examples of realistic beam intensities are given, which are used for intercomparison of the different production methods used by the various European projects.