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Rubino, E.

Publications and source records attributed to Rubino, E..

15 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2024

Evolution of shell gaps in the neutron-poor calcium region from invariant-mass spectroscopy of 37,38 Sc, 35 Ca, 34 K

A fast secondary beam of 37 Ca impinged on a 9 Be target resulting in a set of reactions populating proton-rich nuclei including 35 Ca and the first observations of 37,38 Sc and 34 K. Invariant-mass spectroscopy, used to reconstruct proton decays for these nuclei, yielded three new ground-state masses and information on their low-lying structures. The newly measured mass excesses are: ΔM( 37 Sc) = 3500(410) keV, ΔM( 38 Sc) = –4656(14) keV, and ΔM( 34 K) = –1487(17) keV. These nuclei straddle the well-known Z = 20 shell closure as well as the N = 16 subshell closure. Furthermore, trends in separation energies help elucidate how nuclear structure evolves showing a fading of the Z = 20 shell gap for N ≥ 18 and indications of a N = 16 subshell gap.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Observation of collective modes of excitations in 59 Co, 59 Ni, and 61 Co and the influence of the $g_{9/2}$ orbital

High-spin states in 59 Co (Z = 27), 59 Ni (Z = 28), and 61 Co have been populated by the fusion evaporation reactions, 48 Ti( 14 C, p2n ) 59 Co, 48 Ti( 14 C, 3 n ) 59 Ni, and 50 Ti( 14 C, p2n ) 61 Co. The 9 MV tandem accelerator at the John D. Fox Laboratory, Florida State University (FSU) was used to accelerate the 14 C beam and the deexciting γ rays were detected by the FSU detector array consisting of six high-purity germanium (HPGe) clover detectors and three single crystals. Directional correlation of the $γ$ rays deexciting oriented states (DCO ratios) and polarization asymmetry measurements helped to establish spin and parities of the excited states whenever possible. The level scheme of 59 Co has been expanded with the inclusion of positive-parity states up to 31/2 + at around 11 MeV. The 59 Ni positive-parity states known from previous study were verified with modifications to some of the spins and parities. On the other hand, the negative-parity states were extended to 31/2 at an excitation energy of 12 MeV. No new transition was observed for 61 Co, but one of the major bands has been reassigned as consisting of positive-parity states by reason of this study. Importantly, excitations observed within the f 7/2 , p 3/2 , f 5/2 , and p 1/2 orbitals, and also across the N = 40 subshell closure into the g 9/2 orbital was established by comparison with large-scale shell-model calculations for the three nuclei studied.

59 ≤ A ≤ 89↗
DOE OSTI2023

𝛽−decay of neutron-rich 45 Cl located at the magic number 𝑁 = 28

Results from the β-decay study of 45 Cl, produced in the fragmentation of a 140-MeV/u 48 Ca beam, are presented. The half-life of 45 Cl is measured to be 513(36) ms. β – and β – 1n decay populate excited states in 45 Ar and 44 Ar, respectively, and decay schemes for both daughter nuclei are established based on γ-ray singles and γ-γ coincidence data. Comparison with shell-model calculations using the FSU interaction shows that the low-lying negative-parity states in 45 Ar are well described by single-neutron configurations near the Fermi surface, whereas positive-parity states require neutron excitations across the N = 20 shell gap, consistent with allowed Gamow–Teller decay from 45 Cl. The strong β-feeding to the 5/2 + state in 45 Ar supports a 3/2 + ground-state assignment for 45 Cl over 1/2 + . Furthermore, the high Q β – value enables population of 1p1h states above the neutron separation energy in 45 Ar, leading to positive-parity states in 44 Ar through neutron emission. Tentative spin-parity assignments for excited levels in 44 Ar are made for the first time based on comparison with shell-model predictions, and the 2978-keV level is identified as an excited 0 + state with a configuration distinct from the ground state.

39 ≤ A ≤ 58↗
DOE OSTI2023

𝛽 decay of 36 Mg and 36 Al: Identification of a 𝛽-decaying isomer in 36 Al

The level structure of 36 Al has been studied via 𝛽 decay of 36 Mg at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) and the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL). A long-lived isomer in 36 Al was identified which decays by 𝛽 to an excited state of 36 Si. The ground state and the isomeric state of 36 Al were found to populate different energy levels of 36 Si. Furthermore, the results from the two data sets in the present work complement each other. Configuration interaction calculations performed with the FSU shell-model Hamiltonians provide reasonable descriptions to the experimental observations and offer insight into future improvements of the theoretical interpretation.

20 ≤ A ≤ 38↗
DOE OSTI2023

Experimental study of the S 38 excited level scheme

Information on the 38 S level scheme was expanded through experimental work utilizing a fusion-evaporation reaction and in-beam γ-ray spectroscopy. Prompt γ-ray transitions were detected by the Gamma-Ray Energy Tracking Array (GRETINA) and recoiling 38 S residues were selected by the Fragment Mass Analyzer (FMA). Tools based on machine-learning techniques were developed and deployed for the first time in order to enhance the unique selection of 38S residues and identify any associated γ-ray transitions. The new level information, including the extension of the even-spin yrast sequence through J π =8( + ), was interpreted in terms of a basic single-particle picture as well shell-model calculations which incorporated the empirically derived FSU interaction. A comparison between the properties of the yrast states in the even-Z, N = 22 isotones from Z = 14 to 20, and for 36 Si– 38 S in particular, was also presented with an emphasis on the role and influence of the neutron 1 p 3/2 orbital on the structure in the region.

20 ≤ A ≤ 38↗
DOE OSTI2023

Microsecond Isomer at the N = 20 Island of Shape Inversion Observed at FRIB

Excited-state spectroscopy from the first experiment at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) is reported. A 24(2)-μs isomer was observed with the FRIB Decay Station initiator (FDSi) through a cascade of 224- and 401-keV γ rays in coincidence with 32 Na nuclei. This is the only known microsecond isomer (1 μs ≤T 1/2 <1 ms) in the region. This nucleus is at the heart of the N=20 island of shape inversion and is at the crossroads of the spherical shell-model, deformed shell-model, and ab initio theories. It can be represented as the coupling of a proton hole and neutron particle to 32 Mg, 32 Mg+π -1 +ν +1 . This odd-odd coupling and isomer formation provides a sensitive measure of the underlying shape degrees of freedom of 32 Mg, where the onset of spherical-to-deformed shape inversion begins with a low-lying deformed 2 + state at 885 keV and a low-lying shape-coexisting 0$^+_2$ state at 1058 keV. Here, we suggest two possible explanations for the 625-keV isomer in 32 Na: a 6 - spherical shape isomer that decays by E2 or a 0 + deformed spin isomer that decays by M2. The present results and calculations are most consistent with the latter, indicating that the low-lying states are dominated by deformation.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Coexistence of single-particle and collective excitation in Ni 61

Here, the high-spin states in 61 Ni have been studied using the fusion evaporation reaction, 50 Ti( 14 C, 3n) 61 Ni at an incident beam energy of 40 MeV. A Compton suppressed multi-HPGe detector setup, consisting of six clover detectors and three single-crystal HPGe detectors, was used to detect the de-exciting $\gamma$ rays from the excited states. The level scheme has been extended up to an excitation energy of 12.8 MeV and a tentative J π =35/2 + . The low-lying negative parity levels are found to be generated by single-particle excitation within the fp shell and also excitations to the g 9/2 orbitals as explained well with shell model calculations using the GXPF1Br+V MU (modified) interaction. Two rotational structures of regular E2 sequences with small to moderate axial deformation have been established at higher excitation energy. Most interestingly, two sequences of M1 transitions are reported for the first time and described as magnetic rotational bands. The shears mechanism for both the bands can be described satisfactorily by the geometrical model. The shell model calculation involving the cross shell excitation beyond the fp shell well reproduce the M1 and E2 sequences. The shell model predicted B(M1) values for the magnetic rotational band B1 show the decreasing trend with spin as expected with closing of the shears.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Neutron inelastic scattering measurements on KCl and NaCl samples at the Dome

Precise and accurate measurements of neutron inelastic scattering cross sections are vital for both the LLNL national security mission and for scientific applications such as the nuclear spectroscopy of planetary bodies. In this work, initial measurements of relative cross sections were performed by irradiating KCl and NaCl samples with a DD neutron generator, a DT neutron generator, and a PuB source in building 262, the Dome. The measurements allowed the existing experimental setup to be benchmarked. Several improvements to the setup are suggested for future experiments.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗
DOE OSTI2023

Measurement of the $\textit{B}(\textit{E}2 ↑)$ strengths of 36 Ca and 38 Ca

In this work, the $B(E2, 0^+_1 → 2^+_1)$ strengths of 36 Ca and 38 Ca are measured to be 131(20) $e^2\text{fm}^4$ and 101(11) $e^2\text{fm}^4$, respectively. The $\textit{B}(\textit{E}2)$ value for 36 Ca required a measurement of the p/γ branching ratio because the 2 + state is proton unbound. This branching ratio is $B_p$=0.087(8). These $\textit{B}(\textit{E}2)$ and branching-ratio values can be reproduced in the shell-model with the ZMB2 interaction, an interaction that predicts the $\textit{Z} = 20 \textit{sd}$-shell closure is incomplete with large proton pf-shell occupancies in the ground state. These occupancies are at odds with other shell-model and energy-density-functional calculations of 36 Ca. New data are used to provide an update on constraints of the density dependence of the symmetry energy through mirror charge-radii differences as well as to help reduce uncertainties of the astrophysical important 35 K(p,γ) reaction.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2022

β − decay of exotic P and S isotopes with neutron number near 28

β - decay of very neutron-rich isotopes of P and S, studied at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL) using the Beta Counting Station (BCS) consisting of a Double Sided Strip Detector surrounded by clovers detectors for observing delayed γ transitions is reported here. β-decay half-lifes and delayed neutron emission probabilities were extracted for 42,43,44 P and 44,46 S by analyzing spatial and temporal correlations between implants and decay events in the Si detector with further coincidence with γ transitions. Detection of delayed γ rays allowed for the identification of negative parity 1p1h states in 42 S for the first time, also constraining the parent ( 42 P) spin/parity to 2 - or 3 - . For the most exotic isotope studied, 46 S, no strong γ transition was observed unlike lighter even-even S isotopes, thus implying the shift of Gamow Teller (GT) strength distribution to higher energies. In conclusion, comparison of experimental observations to detailed shell-model calculations using the SDPFSDG-MU interaction allowed us to infer the importance and role of First Forbidden (FF) β transitions as the neutron number approaches and then exceeds N = 28.

39 ≤ A ≤ 58↗
DOE OSTI2022

Crossing N = 28 Toward the Neutron Drip Line: First Measurement of Half-Lives at FRIB

Here, new half-lives for exotic isotopes approaching the neutron drip-line in the vicinity of N~28 for Z=12–15 were measured at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) with the FRIB decay station initiator. The first experimental results are compared to the latest quasiparticle random phase approximation and shell-model calculations. Overall, the measured half-lives are consistent with the available theoretical descriptions and suggest a well-developed region of deformation below 48 Ca in the N=28 isotones. The erosion of the Z=14 subshell closure in Si is experimentally confirmed at N=28, and a reduction in the 38 Mg half-life is observed as compared with its isotopic neighbors, which does not seem to be predicted well based on the decay energy and deformation trends. This highlights the need for both additional data in this very exotic region, and for more advanced theoretical efforts.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Multiparticle-hole excitations in nuclei near N = Z = 20: $^{41}$K

This experimental study of high-spin structure near the N = Z = 20 region focuses on 41 K and also reports three newly observed γ transitions in 41 Ca from the same reaction. High-spin states were populated using the 26 Mg( 18 O, p2nγ) 41 K and 26 Mg( 18 O, 3nγ) 41 Ca reactions at a beam energy of 50 MeV at the Florida State University John D. Fox Superconducting Linear Accelerator Laboratory, employing the FSU high-purity germanium detector array. The level scheme of 41 K was extended to 12325 keV, possibly up to J π = 25/2 − or 27/2 + , by means of 25 new γ-ray transitions, and that of 41 Ca to 9916 keV. Linear polarization and angular-distribution measurements were used to provide spin and parity information for several states in the 41 K decay scheme. The results are compared with spsdpf cross-shell shell-model calculations using the FSU interaction. Configurations involving zero or one nucleon promoted from the sd to the fp shell reproduce the energies of many known states reasonably well, while multi-particle excitations reveal a more complex interplay of single-particle motion, collective pairing, and deformation, posing an interesting challenge for future theoretical work.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Evolution of shape and collectivity along the Ge isotopic chain: The case of 80 Ge

In this work, the shape and collectivity of 80 Ge were investigated via a sub-barrier-energy Coulomb excitation measurement using the JANUS setup at the NSCL ReA3 facility. The 80 Ge spectroscopic quadrupole moment $Q_{s}(2^{+}_{1})$ of the $2^{+}_{1}$ state was measured for the first time, and the precision of the 80 Ge $B(E2; 0^{+}_{1}$ → $2^{+}_{1}$) transition strength was increased. The experimental $Q_{s}(2^{+}_{1})$ value indicates a large, prolate deformation for 80 Ge, which is consistent with large-scale shell-model calculations performed for comparison. These results provide important benchmarks for models that try to describe nuclear shape in neutron-rich nuclei near the magic number N=50.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗