No Arabic abstract
The lifetimes of the first 2$^{+}$ states in the neutron-deficient $^{76,78}$Sr isotopes were measured using a unique combination of the $gamma$-ray line-shape method and two-step nucleon exchange reactions at intermediate energies. The transition rates for the 2$^{+}$ states were determined to be $B$(E2;2$^{+}$$to 0^{+}$) = 2220(270) e$^{2}$fm$^{4}$ for $^{76}$Sr and 1800(250) e$^{2}$fm$^{4}$ for $^{78}$Sr, corresponding to large deformation of $beta_2$ = 0.45(3) for $^{76}$Sr and 0.40(3) for $^{78}$Sr. The present data provide experimental evidence for mutually enhanced collectivity that occurs at $N$ = $Z$ = 38. The systematic behavior of the excitation energies and $B$(E2) values indicates a signature of shape coexistence in $^{76}$Sr, characterizing $^{76}$Sr as one of most deformed nuclei with an unusually reduced $E$(4$^{+}$)/$E$(2$^{+}$) ratio.
The neutron-rich nucleus 74Ni was studied with inverse-kinematics inelastic proton scattering using a 74Ni radioactive beam incident on a liquid hydrogen targetat a center-of-mass energy of 80 MeV. From the measured de-excitation gamma-rays, the population of the first 2+ state was quantified. The angle-integrated excitation cross section was determined to be 14(4) mb. A deformation length of delta = 1.04(16) fm was extracted in comparison with distorted wave theory, which suggests that the enhancement of collectivity established for 70Ni continues up to 74Ni. A comparison with results of shell model and quasi-particle random phase approximation calculations indicates that the magic character of Z = 28 or N = 50 is weakened in 74Ni.
Excited states of $^{38}_{17}$Cl$_{21}$ were populated in grazing reactions during the interaction of a beam of $^{36}_{16}$S$_{20}$ ions of energy 215 MeV with a $^{208}_{82}$Pb$_{126}$ target. The combination of the PRISMA magnetic spectrometer and the CLARA $gamma$-ray detector array was used to identify the reaction fragments and to detect their decay via $gamma$-ray emission. A level scheme for $^{38}$Cl is presented with tentative spin and parity assignments. The level scheme is discussed within the context of the systematics of neighboring nuclei and is compared with the results of state-of-the-art shell model calculations.
The shell structure underlying shape changes in neutron-rich nuclei between N=20 and N=28 has been investigated by a novel application of the transient field technique to measure the first-excited state g factors in S-38 and S-40 produced as fast radioactive beams. Details of the new methodology are presented. In both S-38 and S-40 there is a fine balance between the proton and neutron contributions to the magnetic moments. Shell model calculations which describe the level schemes and quadrupole properties of these nuclei also give a satisfactory explanation of the g factors. In S-38 the g factor is extremely sensitive to the occupation of the neutron p3/2 orbit above the N=28 shell gap as occupation of this orbit strongly affects the proton configuration. The g factor of deformed S-40 does not resemble that of a conventional collective nucleus because spin contributions are more important than usual.
In addition to research announcements, this issue features a call for papers to a Topology and its Applications special issue, and an intriguing open problem.
The higher-spin structure of $^{38}$Cl ($N = 21$) was investigated following the $^{26}$Mg($^{14}$C, $pn$) reaction at 30 and 37 MeV beam energies. The outgoing protons were detected in an $E- Delta E$ Si telescope placed at 0$^circ$ close to the target with a Ta beam stopper between the target and telescope. Multiple $gamma$ rays were detected in time coincidence with the protons using an enhanced version of the FSU $gamma$ detection array. The level scheme was extended up to 8420 keV with a likely spin of 10 $hbar$. A new multishell interaction was developed guided by the experimental information. This FSU interaction was built by fitting to the energies of 270 experimental states from $^{13}$C to $^{51}$Ti. Calculations using the FSU interaction reproduce observed properties of $^{38}$Cl rather well, including the spectroscopic factors. The interaction has been successfully used to interpret the $1p1h$ and $2p2h$ configurations in some nearby nuclei as well.