Abstract: The energy centroids and integrated strengths of Gamow-Teller transitions in the beta(+) and electron-capture decay are analyzed for nuclei whose proton number Z and neutron number N are restricted to 44 <= Z <= 50 and 50 <= N <= 58. The analysis is based on data measured both with high-resolution gamma-ray spectrometry and total gamma-ray absorption techniques. The dependence of the considered quantities on the relative neutron excess are established after taking into account the effects due to the Coulomb interaction and mean-field level occupancies. An extrapolation of this dependence to the lightest known tin isotopes is used to estimate the decay characteristics of Sn-100 and Sn-101. The values extrapolated for the half-lives of Sn-100 and Sn-101 agree with experimental data. Using the extrapolated values together with shell model predictions, the Q values for the electron-capture decay of Sn-100 is evaluated. The quenching factor for beta(+) and the electron-capture decay of the nuclei under consideration here is established to be 0.56(2) with a possible weak dependence on N – Z.

Abstract: We study the interaction of rho, D* and (D) over bar* with spins aligned using the fixed center approximation to the Faddeev equations. We select a cluster of D*(D) over bar*, which is found to be bound in I = 0 and can be associated to the X(3915), and let the rho meson orbit around the D* and (D) over bar*. In this case we find an I = 1 state with mass around 4340 MeV and narrow width of about 50MeV. We also investigate the case with a cluster of rho D* and let the (D) over bar * orbit around the system of the two states. The rho D* cluster is also found to bind and leads to the D-2*(2460) state. The addition of the extra (D) over bar* produces further binding and we find, with admitted uncertainties, a state of I = 0 around 4000MeV, and a less bound narrow state with I = 1 around 4200 MeV.

Abstract: The ratio of the neutron-induced fission cross-sections of Am-243 and U-235 was measured in the energy range from 0.5 to 20 MeV with uncertainties of approximate to 4%. The experiment was performed at the CERN n_TOF facility using a fast ionization chamber. With the good counting statistics that could be achieved thanks to the high instantaneous flux and the low backgrounds, the present results are useful for resolving discrepancies in previous data sets and are important for future reactors with improved fuel burn-up.

Abstract: The realization of pulsed-laser diffused, thin n+ contacts on high purity germanium (HPGe) and their successful segmentation is described. The contacts have been obtained by a laser-induced diffusion of Sb atoms, deposited by sputtering on Ge surface, and then segmented by means of a photolithographic technique. Three small prototypes of gamma ray detectors have been implemented, using the same n+ contact (laser diffused Sb) but with three different geometries and a B implanted p+ contact. Electrical and detection properties of the prototypes have been characterized, showing low leakage currents and good spectroscopy data with different gamma-ray sources. The stability of the detector performance has also been tested subjecting one of the prototypes to a typical annealing treatment.

Abstract: New physics opportunities are opening up by the Advanced Gamma Tracking Array, AGATA, as it evolves to the full 4 pi instrument. AGATA is a high-resolution gamma -ray spectrometer, solely built from highly segmented high-purity Ge detectors, capable of measuring gamma rays from a few tens of keV to beyond 10 MeV, with unprecedented efficiency, excellent position resolution for individual gamma -ray interactions, and very high count-rate capability. As a travelling detector AGATA will be employed at all major current and near-future European research facilities delivering stable and radioactive ion beams.