Abstract: The performance of the Advanced GAmma Tracking Array (AGATA) at GANIL is discussed, on the basis of the analysis of source and in-beam data taken with up to 30 segmented crystals. Data processing is described in detail. The performance of individual detectors are shown. The efficiency of the individual detectors as well as the efficiency after gamma-ray tracking are discussed. Recent developments of gamma-ray tracking are also presented. The experimentally achieved peak-to-total is compared with simulations showing the impact of back-scattered gamma rays on the peak-to-total in a gamma-ray tracking array. An estimate of the achieved position resolution using the Doppler broadening of in-beam data is also given. Angular correlations from source measurements are shown together with different methods to take into account the effects of gamma-ray tracking on the normalization of the angular correlations.

Abstract: The multi-nucleon transfer reaction mechanism was used to produce and study nuclei in the vicinity of 208Pb. This mass region is a test case for the nuclear shell model. The mass identification of the fragments was performed with the large acceptance magnetic spectrometer VAMOS++ coupled to the AGATA gamma-tracking array. This experiment aimed to determine both lifetimes and gyromagnetic ratios of excited states with the Cologne plunger device. The analysis indicates promising results with the possibility to determine several new lifetimes in this region.

Abstract: Background: Levels fulfilling the seniority scheme and relevant isomers are commonly observed features in semimagic nuclei; for example, in Sn isotopes (Z = 50). Seniority isomers in Sn, with dominantly pure neutron configurations, directly probe the underlying neutron-neutron (vv) interaction. Furthermore, an addition of a valence proton particle or hole, through neutron-proton (v pi) interaction, affects the neutron seniority as well as the angular momentum. Purpose: Benchmark the reproducibility of the experimental observables, like the excitation energies (E-x) and the reduced electric-quadrupole transition probabilities [B(E2)], with the results obtained from shell-model interactions for neutron-rich Sn and Sb isotopes with N < 82. Study the sensitivity of the aforementioned experimental observables to the model interaction components. Furthermore, explore from a microscopic point of view the structural similarity between the isomers in Sn and Sb, and thus the importance of the valence proton. Methods: The neutron-rich Sb122-131 isotopes were produced as fission fragments in the reaction Be-9(U-238, f) with 6.2 MeV/u beam energy. A unique setup, consisting of AGATA, VAMOS++, and EXOGAM detectors, was used which enabled the prompt-delayed gamma-ray spectroscopy of fission fragments in the time range of 100 ns to 200 μs. Results: New isomers and prompt and delayed transitions were established in the even-A Sb122-131 isotopes. In the odd-A Sb122-131 isotopes, new prompt and delayed gamma-ray transitions were identified, in addition to the confirmation of the previously known isomers. The half-lives of the isomeric states and the B(E2) transition probabilities of the observed transitions depopulating these isomers were extracted. Conclusions: The experimental data was compared with the theoretical results obtained in the framework of large-scale shell-model (LSSM) calculations in a restricted model space. Modifications of several components of the shell-model interaction were introduced to obtain a consistent agreement with the excitation energies and the B(E2) transition probabilities in neutron-rich Sn and Sb isotopes. The isomeric configurations in Sn and Sb were found to be relatively pure. Furthermore, the calculations revealed that the presence of a single valence proton, mainly in the g(7/2) orbital in Sb isotopes, leads to significant mixing (due to the v pi interaction) of (i) the neutron seniorities (upsilon(v)) and (ii) the neutron angular momentum (I-v). The above features have a weak impact on the excitation energies, but have an important impact on the B(E2) transition probabilities. In addition, a constancy of the relative excitation energies irrespective of neutron seniority and neutron number in Sn and Sb was observed.

Abstract: Lifetimes of the excited states in the neutron-rich Ti-52,Ti-54 nuclei, produced in a multinucleon-transfer reaction, were measured by employing the Cologne plunger device and the recoil-distance Doppler-shift method. The experiment was performed at the Grand Accelerateur National d'Ions Lourds facility by using the Advanced Gamma Tracking Array for the gamma-ray detection, coupled to the large-acceptance variable mode spectrometer for an event-by-event particle identification. A comparison between the transition probabilities obtained from the measured lifetimes of the 2(1)(+) to 8(1)(+) yrast states in Ti-52,Ti-54 and that from the shell-model calculations based on the well-established GXPF1A, GXPF1B, and KB3G fp shell interactions support the N = 32 subshell closure. The B(E2) values for Ti-52 determined in this work are in disagreement with the known data, but are consistent with the predictions of the shell-model calculations and reduce the previously observed pronounced staggering across the even-even titanium isotopes.

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.