Abstract: Background: The 14N(n, p) 14C reaction is of interest in neutron capture therapy, where nitrogen-related dose is the main component due to low-energy neutrons, and in astrophysics, where 14N acts as a neutron poison in the s process. Several discrepancies remain between the existing data obtained in partial energy ranges: thermal energy, keV region, and resonance region. Purpose: We aim to measure the 14N(n, p) 14C cross section from thermal to the resonance region in a single measurement for the first time, including characterization of the first resonances, and provide calculations of Maxwellian averaged cross sections (MACS). Method: We apply the time-of-flight technique at Experimental Area 2 (EAR-2) of the neutron time-of-flight (n_TOF) facility at CERN. 10B(n, & alpha;) 7Li and 235U(n, f ) reactions are used as references. Two detection systems are run simultaneously, one on beam and another off beam. Resonances are described with the R-matrix code SAMMY. Results: The cross section was measured from subthermal energy to 800 keV, resolving the first two resonances (at 492.7 and 644 keV). A thermal cross section was obtained (1.809 & PLUSMN; 0.045 b) that is lower than the two most recent measurements by slightly more than one standard deviation, but in line with the ENDF/B-VIII.0 and JEFF-3.3 evaluations. A 1/v energy dependence of the cross section was confirmed up to tens of keV neutron energy. The low energy tail of the first resonance at 492.7 keV is lower than suggested by evaluated values, while the overall resonance strength agrees with evaluations. Conclusions: Our measurement has allowed determination of the 14N(n, p) cross section over a wide energy range for the first time. We have obtained cross sections with high accuracy (2.5%) from subthermal energy to 800 keV and used these data to calculate the MACS for kT = 5 to kT = 100 keV.

Abstract: Background: The evolution of shell structure around doubly magic exotic nuclei is of great interest in nuclear physics and astrophysics. In the 'southwest' region of Ni-78, the development of deformation might trigger a major shift in our understanding of explosive nucleosynthesis. To this end, new spectroscopic information on key close-lying nuclei is very valuable. Purpose: We intend to measure the isomeric and beta decay of Co-75, with one-proton and two-neutron holes relative to Ni-78, to access new nuclear structure information in Co-75 and its beta-decay daughters Ni-75 and Ni-74. Methods: The nucleus Co-75 is produced in relativistic in-flight fission reactions of U-238 at the Radioactive Ion Beam Factory in the RIKEN Nishina Center. Its isomeric and f decay are studied exploiting the BigRIPS and EURICA setups. Results: We obtain partial beta-decay spectra for Ni-75 and Ni-74, and report a new isomeric transition in Co-75. The energy [E-gamma = 1914(2) keV] and half-life [t(1/2) = 13(6) μs] of the delayed gamma ray lend support for the existence of aJ(pi) = (1/2(-)) isomeric state at 1914(2) keV. A comparison with PFSDG-U shell-model calculations provides a good account for the observed states in Ni-75, but the first calculated 1/2(-) level in Co-75, a prolate K = 1/2 state, is predicted about 1 MeV below the observed (1/2(-)) level. Conclusions: The spherical-like structure of the lowest-lying excited states in Ni-75 is proved. In the case of Co-75, the results suggest that the dominance of the spherical configurations over the deformed ones might be stronger than expected below Ni-78. Further experimental efforts to discern the nature of the J(pi) = (1/2(-)) isomer are necessary.

Abstract: Background: The heaviest T-z = 0 doubly-magic nucleus, Sn-100, and the neighboring nuclei offer unique opportunities to investigate the properties of nuclear interaction. For instance, the structure of light-Sn nuclei has been shown to be affected by the delicate balance between nuclear-interaction components, such as pairing and quadrupole correlations. From Cd to Te, many common features and phenomena have been observed experimentally along the isotopic chains, leading to theoretical studies devoted to a more general and comprehensive study of the region. In this context, having only two proton holes in the Z = 50 shell, the Cd isotopes are expected to present properties similar to those found in the Sn isotopic chain. Purpose: The aim of this work was to measure lifetimes of excited states in neutron-deficient nuclei in the vicinity of Sn-100. Methods: The neutron-deficient nuclei in the N approximate to Z approximate to 50 region were populated using a multinucleon transfer reaction with a Cd-106 beam and a Mo-92 target. The beamlike products were identified by the VAMOS++ spectrometer, while the gamma rays were detected using the AGATA array. Lifetimes of excited states were determined using the recoil distance Doppler-shift method, employing the Cologne differential plunger. Results: Lifetimes of low-lying states were measured in the even-mass Cd-102-(108) isotopes. In particular, multiple states with excitation energy up to MeV, belonging to various bands, were populated in approximate to 3 Cd-106 via inelastic scattering. The transition strengths corresponding to the measured lifetimes were compared with those resulting from state-of-the-art beyond-mean-field calculations using the symmetry-conserving configuration-mixing approach. Conclusions: Despite the similarities in the electromagnetic properties of the low-lying states, there is a fundamental structural difference between the ground-state bands in the Z = 48 and Z = 50 isotopes. The comparison between experimental and theoretical results revealed a rotational character of the Cd nuclei, which have prolate-deformed ground states with beta(2) approximate to 0.2. At this deformation Z = 48 becomes a closed-shell configuration, which is favored with respect to the spherical one.

Abstract: Background: The photon strength functions (PSFs) and nuclear level density (NLD) are key ingredients for calculation of the photon interaction with nuclei, in particular the reaction cross sections. These cross sections are important especially in nuclear astrophysics and in the development of advanced nuclear technologies. Purpose: The role of the scissors mode in the M1 PSF of (well-deformed) actinides was investigated by several experimental techniques. The analyses of different experiments result in significant differences, especially on the strength of the mode. The shape of the low-energy tail of the giant electric dipole resonance is uncertain as well. In particular, some works proposed a presence of the E1 pygmy resonance just above 7 MeV. Because of these inconsistencies additional information on PSFs in this region is of great interest. Methods: The gamma-ray spectra from neutron-capture reactions on the U-234, U-236, and U-238 nuclei have been measured with the total absorption calorimeter of the n_TOF facility at CERN. The background-corrected sum-energy and multi-step-cascade spectra were extracted for several isolated s-wave resonances up to about 140 eV. Results: The experimental spectra were compared to statistical model predictions coming from a large selection of models of photon strength functions and nuclear level density. No combination of PSF and NLD models from literature is able to globally describe our spectra. After extensive search we were able to find model combinations with modified generalized Lorentzian (MGLO) E1 PSF, which match the experimental spectra as well as the total radiative widths. Conclusions: The constant temperature energy dependence is favored for a NLD. The tail of giant electric dipole resonance is well described by the MGLO model of the E1 PSF with no hint of pygmy resonance. The M1 PSF must contain a very strong, relatively wide, and likely double-resonance scissors mode. The mode is responsible for about a half of the total radiative width of neutron resonances and significantly affects the radiative cross section.

Abstract: Background: The Z = 50 shell closure, near N = 82, is unique in the sense that it is the only shell closure with the spin-orbit partner orbitals, pi g(9/2) and pi g(7/2), enclosing the magic gap. The interaction of the proton hole/particle in the above-mentioned orbitals with neutrons in the nu h(11)(/2) orbital is an important prerequisite to the understanding of the nuclear structure near N = 82 and the nu pi interaction. Purpose: To explore the structural similarity between the high-spin isomeric states in In (Z = 49), Sn (Z = 50), and Sb (Z = 51) isotopes from a microscopic point of view. In addition, to understand the role of a proton hole or particle in the spin-orbit partner orbitals, pi g(9/2) and pi g(7/2), respectively, with neutron holes in the nu h(11)(/2) orbital on these aforementioned isomers. Methods: The fusion and transfer induced fission reaction Be-9(U-238, f) with 6.2 MeV/u beam energy, using a unique setup consisting of AGATA, VAMOS ++, and EXOGAM detectors, was used to populate through the fission process and study the neutron-rich In-119,In-121 isotopes. This setup enabled the prompt-delayed gamma-ray spectroscopy of isotopes in the time range of 100 ns-200 μs. Results: In the odd-A In-119,In-121 isotopes, indications of a short half-life 19/2(-) isomeric state, in addition to the previously known 25/2(+) isomeric state, were observed from the present data. Further, new prompt transitions above the 25/2(+) isomer in In-121 were identified along with reevaluation of its half-life. Conclusions: The experimental data were compared with the theoretical results obtained in the framework of large-scale shell-model calculations in a restricted model space. The <pi g(9/2)nu h(11/2); I vertical bar H vertical bar pi g(9/2) nu h(11/2);I > two-body matrix elements of residual interaction were modified to explain the excitation energies and the B(E2) transition probabilities in the neutron-rich In isotopes. The (i) decreasing trend of E(29/2(+))-E(25/2(+)) in odd-In (with dominant configuration pi g(9/)(2)(-1) nu h(11/2)(-2) and maximum aligned spin of 29/2+) and (ii) increasing trend of E(27/2(+)) – E(23/2(+)) in odd-Sb (with dominant configuration pi g(7/)(2)(+1) nu h(11/2)(-2) and maximum aligned spin of 27/2(+)) with increasing neutron number could be understood as a consequence of hole-hole and particle-hole interactions, respectively.