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Kondev, F G

Publications and source records attributed to Kondev, F G.

Decay spectroscopy of an isomeric state in Md251

Excited states in Md251 have been populated by decay of an isomeric state at Ex≈1174 keV and studied via delayed γ-ray spectroscopy. We observe the population of two rotational bands, one of which we identify as the Nilsson π72[514] ground-state band and the other we propose is based on the π92[624] configuration. From the observed decay pattern, we suggest that the isomer spin parity is 232+, with the three-quasiparticle configuration π72[514]⊗{ν72[624]⊗ν92[734]}Kπ=8−. We compare our results to theoretical predictions of the single- and multi-quasiparticle structure of Md251.

Morse, C↗

Precise mass measurement of the longest odd-odd chain of nuclei with 1+ ground states

Precise mass measurements of the ground and isomeric states of the odd-odd Rh108,110,112,114,116 were performed using the Canadian Penning Trap at Argonne National Laboratory, showing good agreement with recent JYFLTRAP measurements. A new possible isomeric state of Rh114 was also observed. These isotopes are part of the longest odd-odd chain of identical ground-state spin-parity assignment of 1+, spanning Rh104–118, despite being in a region of deformation. Realistic phenomenological mean-field calculations using the “universal” Wood-Saxon Hamiltonian were performed, which explained this phenomenon for the first time. In addition, multiquasiparticle blocking calculations were performed to study the configuration of low-lying states in the odd-odd Rh nuclei, elucidating anomalous isomeric yield ratio observed for Rh114.

Liu, B↗

Isomers and hindrances in No254: A touchstone for theories of superheavy nuclei

We report on a new spectroscopic study of the decay of high-K isomers in No152102254, a touchstone nucleus for testing models to understand the structure of superheavy nuclei. The experiment, performed using the Argonne gas-filled analyzer (AGFA), was geared toward resolving long-standing ambiguities in spin-parity and configuration assignments for the two- and four-quasiparticle (qp) intrinsic excitations identified in this nucleus. The isomer decay schemes are firmly established with the help of the highest-statistics γ-γ coincidence data collected to date, providing anchor points for competing theories. A newly measured half-life in the nanosecond range establishes a second 2-qp isomer in No254. The preferred decay pathways for the 2- and 4-qp isomers are discussed, providing new insights into the underlying hindrance mechanisms at play in these heavy nuclei. With firm configuration assignments, the intrinsic excitations in this deformed mass region provide stringent constraints and challenge the different theoretical approaches at play in understanding the structure of superheavy nuclei.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Toward laser ablation Accelerator Mass Spectrometry of actinides

A project to measure neutron capture cross sections of a number of actinides in a reactor environment by Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) at the ATLAS facility of Argonne National Laboratory is underway. This project will require the precise and accurate measurement of produced actinide isotopes in many (>30) samples irradiated in the Advanced Test Reactor at Idaho National Laboratory with neutron fluxes having different energy distributions. The AMS technique at ATLAS is based on production of highlycharged positive ions in an electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) ion source followed by acceleration in the ATLAS linac and mass-to-charge (m/q) measurement at the focus of the Fragment Mass Analyzer. Laser ablation was selected as the method of feeding the actinide material into the ion source because we expect it will have higher efficiency and lower chamber contamination than either the oven or sputtering techniques, because of a much narrower angular distribution of emitted material. In addition, a new multi-sample holder/changer to allow quick change between samples and a computer-controlled routine allowing fast tuning of the accelerator for different beams, are being developed. An initial test run studying backgrounds, detector response, and accelerator scaling repeatability was conducted in December 2010. The project design, schedule, and results of the initial test run to study backgrounds are discussed.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗

Atomic mass evaluation

The atomic masses are important input parameters for nuclear astrophysics calculations. The Atomic Mass Evaluation (AME) is the most reliable source for comprehensive information related to atomic masses. The latest AME was published in 2003. A new version, which will include the impact of a wealth of new, high-precision experimental data, will be published in December 2012. In this paper we will give the current status of AME2012. The mass surface has been changed significantly compared to AME2003, and the impact on astrophysics calculations is discussed.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗