γ-ray spectroscopy of the odd-odd N=Z+2 deformed proton emitter 112Cs

Gamma-ray transitions have been observed in the proton-emitting N=Z+2 (Tz=1) isotope 112Cs. The transitions have been unambiguously assigned to 112Cs by correlation with the characteristic proton decay, using the method of recoil-decay tagging with mass selection. The measured proton-decay energy and half-life are Ep=810(5) keV and T1/2=470(50) μs, respectively, which are consistent with previous measurements. Five γ-ray transitions have been observed which appear to form a rotational sequence. The energy differences between excited states in the sequence are consistent with an assignment as the favored signature of the ν(h 11/2) π(h11/2) structure. Tentative evidence for fine structure in the 112Cs proton decay is also observed

Cross-shell excitations near the "island of inversion": Structure of Mg30

Excited states in Mg30 have been populated to ~6 and 5 MeV excitation energy with the C14(O18,2p) reaction. Firm spin assignments for states with J2 have been made in this nucleus. The level scheme is compared to shell-model calculations using the Universal sd effective interaction and the Monte Carlo shell model method. Calculations employing a full sd model space fail to reproduce the observed levels. The results indicate that excitations across the N=20 gap are required at relatively low excitation energy to achieve a description of the data. The incorporation of the f7/2 and p3/2 orbitals into the model space gives improved results but indicate the need for further refinement of the models to reproduce the observed spectra

Accelerated radiation damage test facility using a 5 MV tandem ion accelerator

We have developed a new irradiation facility that allows to perform accelerated damage tests of nuclear reactor materials at temperatures up to 400�C using the intense proton (<100 μA) and heavy ion (≈10 μA) beams produced by a 5 MV tandem ion accelerator. The dedicated beam line for radiation damage studies comprises: (1) beam diagnosis and focusing optical components, (2) a scanning and slit system that allows uniform irradiation of a sample area of 0.5-6 cm 2 , and (3) a sample stage designed to be able to monitor in-situ the sample temperature, current deposited on the sample, and the gamma spectrum of potential radio-active nuclides produced during the sample irradiation. The beam line capabilities have been tested by irradiating a 20Cr-25Ni-Nb stabilised stainless steel with a 3 MeV proton beam to a dose level of 3 dpa. The irradiation temperature was 356�C, with a maximum range in temperature values of �6�C within the first 24 h of continuous irradiation. The sample stage is connected to ground through an electrometer to measure accurately the charge deposited on the sample. The charge can be integrated in hardware during irradiation, and this methodology removes uncertainties due to fluctuations in beam current. The measured gamma spectrum allowed the identification of the main radioactive nuclides produced during the proton bombardment from the lifetimes and gamma emissions. This dedicated radiation damage beam line is hosted by the Dalton Cumbrian Facility of the University of Manchester

High-spin states beyond the proton drip-line: Quasiparticle alignments in 113Cs

Excited states have been studied in the deformed proton emitter 113Cs. Gamma-ray transitions have been unambiguously assigned to 113Cs by correlation with its characteristic proton decay, using the method of recoil-decay tagging. Two previously identified rotational bands have been observed and extended to tentative spins of 45/2 and 51/2ħ, with excitation energies over 8 MeV above the lowest state. These are the highest angular momenta and excitation energies observed to date in any nucleus beyond the proton drip-line. Transitions in the bands have been rearranged compared to previous work. A study of aligned angular momenta, in comparison to the predictions of Woods–Saxon cranking calculations, is consistent with the most intense band being based on the πg7/2[422]3/2+ configuration, which would contradict the earlier πh11/2 assignment, and with the second band being based on the πd5/2[420]1/2+ configuration. The data suggest that the band based upon the πh11/2 configuration is not observed. Keywords: Proton decay, Recoil-decay tagging, Gamma-ray spectroscopy, High-spin states, Quasiparticle alignment

High-spin states beyond the proton drip-line: Quasiparticle alignments in Cs-113

Excited states have been studied in the deformed proton emitter 113Cs. Gamma-ray transitions have been unambiguously assigned to 113Cs by correlation with its characteristic proton decay, using the method of recoil-decay tagging. Two previously identified rotational bands have been observed and extended to tentative spins of 45/2 and 51/2 h¯, with excitation energies over 8 MeV above the lowest state. These are the highest angular momenta and excitation energies observed to date in any nucleus beyond the proton drip-line. Transitions in the bands have been rearranged compared to previous work. A study of aligned angular momenta, in comparison to the predictions of Woods–Saxon cranking calculations, is consistent with the most intense band being based on the π g7/2[422]3/2+ configuration, which would contradict the earlier πh11/2 assignment, and with the second band being based on the πd5/2[420]1/2+ configuration. The data suggest that the band based upon the πh11/2 configuration is not observed.peerReviewe