P. Papadakis

Search for a 2-quasiparticle high-K isomer in 256Rf

The energies of 2-quasiparticle (2-qp) states in heavy shell-stabilized nuclei provide information on the single-particle states that are responsible for the stability of superheavy nuclei. We have calculated the energies of 2-qp states in {sup 256}Rf, which suggest that a long-lived, low-energy 8{sup -} isomer should exist. A search was conducted for this isomer through a calorimetric conversion electron signal, sandwiched in time between implantation of a {sup 256}Rf nucleus and its fission decay, all within the same pixel of a double-sided Si strip detector. A 17(5)-{mu}s isomer was identified. However, its low population, {approx}5(2)% that of the ground state instead of the expected {approx}30%, suggests that it is more likely a 4-qp isomer. Possible reasons for the absence of an electromagnetic signature of a 2-qp isomer decay are discussed. These include the favored possibility that the isomer decays by fission, with a half-life indistinguishably close to that of the ground state. Another possibility, that there is no 2-qp isomer at all, would imply an abrupt termination of axially symmetric deformed shapes at Z=104, which describes nuclei with Z=92-103 very well.

Towards combining in‐beam γ‐ray and conversion electron spectroscopy

The SAGE spectrometer will combine a segmented Si‐detector with a Ge‐detector array aiming to take the simultaneous in‐beam γ‐ray and conversion electron spectroscopy to the next level. It will be coupled with the GREAT focal plane spectrometer and the RITU gas‐filled recoil separator at the accelerator laboratory of the University of Jyvaskyla, Finland. Its high efficiency and resolution will open the door to a new era of complete spectroscopy directed, amongst others, at the study of superheavy nuclei aiming to investigate the properties of the next spherical proton shell above Z = 82.

High-precision mass measurements for the isobaric multiplet mass equation at A = 52

Masses of 52Co, 52Com, 52Fe, 52Fem, and 52Mn have been measured with the JYFLTRAP double Penning trap mass spectrometer. The isobaric multiplet mass equation for the T = 2 quintet at A = 52 has been studied employing the new mass values. No significant breakdown (beyond the level) of the quadratic form of the IMME was observed (). The cubic coefficient was 6.0(32) keV (). The excitation energies for the isomer and the T = 2 isobaric analog state in 52Co have been determined to be 374(13) keV and 2922(13) keV, respectively. The measured mass values for 52Co and 52Com are 29(10) keV and 16(15) keV higher, respectively, than obtained in a recent storage-ring experiment, and significantly lower than predicted by extrapolations. Consequently, this has an impact on the proton separation energies for 52Co and 53Ni relevant for the astrophysical rapid proton capture process. The Q value for the proton decay from the isomer in 53Co has been determined with an unprecedented precision, keV. (Less)

The SAGE spectrometer: A tool for combined in-beam γ-ray and conversion electron spectroscopy

The SAGE spectrometer allows simultaneous in-beam γ-ray and internal conversion electron measurements, by combining a germanium detector array with a highly segmented silicon detector and an electron transport system. SAGE is coupled with the ritu gas-filled recoil separator and the great focal-plane spectrometer for recoil-decay tagging studies. Digital electronics are used both for the γ ray and the electron parts of the spectrometer. SAGE was commissioned in the Accelerator Laboratory of the University of Jyvaskyla in the beginning of 2010.

Shape coexistence at the proton drip-line: First identification of excited states in Pb180

Excited states in the extremely neutron-deficient nucleus {sup 180}Pb have been identified for the first time using the JUROGAM II array in conjunction with the RITU recoil separator at the Accelerator Laboratory of the University of Jyvaeskylae. This study lies at the limit of what is presently achievable with in-beam spectroscopy, with an estimated cross section of only 10 nb for the {sup 92}Mo({sup 90}Zr,2n){sup 180}Pb reaction. A continuation of the trend observed in {sup 182}Pb and {sup 184}Pb is seen, where the prolate minimum continues to rise beyond the N=104 midshell with respect to the spherical ground state. Beyond-mean-field calculations are in reasonable correspondence with the trends deduced from experiment.

Lessons learned with the SAGE spectrometer

The SAGE spectrometer combines a high-efficiency γ-ray detection system with an electron spectrometer. Some of the design features have been known to be problematic and surprises have come up during the early implementation of the spectrometer. Tests related to bismuth germanate Compton-suppression shields, electron detection efficiency and an improved cooling system are discussed in the paper.

Development of a low-energy radioactive ion beam facility for the MARA separator

A low-energy radioactive ion beam facility for the production and study of nuclei produced close to the proton drip line is under development at the Accelerator Laboratory of the University of Jyväskylä, Finland. The facility will take advantage of the mass selectivity of the recently commissioned MARA vacuum-mode mass separator. The ions selected by MARA will be stopped and thermalised in a small-volume gas cell prior to extraction and further mass separation. The gas cell design allows for resonance laser ionisation/spectroscopy both in-gas-cell and in-gas-jet. The facility will include experimental setups allowing ion counting, mass measurement and decay spectroscopy.

The SPEDE spectrometer: combined in-beam

The SPEDE spectrometer [1] aims to combine a silicon detector, for the detection of electrons, with the MINIBALL γ-ray detection array for in-beam studies employing radioactive ion beams at the HIE-ISOLDE facility at CERN. The setup will be primarily used for octupole collectivity [2] and shape coexistence studies [3, 4] in Coulomb excitation experiments. In the shape coexistence cases the transitions between states of the same spin and parity have enhanced E0 strength [5]. Additionally the 0→0 transitions, typically present in nuclei exhibiting shape coexistence [6], can only occur via E0 transitions, i.e. via internal conversion electron emission.

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A comprehensive Geant4 simulation was built for the SAGE spectrometer. The simulation package includes the silicon and germanium detectors, the mechanical structure and the electromagnetic fields present in SAGE. This simulation can be used for making predictions through simulating experiments and for comparing simulated and experimental data to better understand the underlying physics.

-ray and conversion electron spectroscopy with radioactive ion beams

Abstract.The electron spectrometer, SPEDE, has been developed and will be employed in conjunction with the Miniball spectrometer at the HIE-ISOLDE facility, CERN. SPEDE allows for direct measurement of internal conversion electrons emitted in-flight, without employing magnetic fields to transport or momentum filter the electrons. Together with the Miniball spectrometer, it enables simultaneous observation of