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Beausang, C. W.

Publications and source records attributed to Beausang, C. W..

Entry-level spin distributions and relative γ -neutron branching ratios of samarium isotopes populated by the ( p , t ) reaction

The spin distribution populated in the $^{150}\mathrm{Sm}(p,t)$ reaction with 25 MeV protons has been investigated here using the silicon telescope and high-purity germanium array Hyperion. Angular distributions of outgoing tritons and relative intensities of ${\gamma}$ rays from low-lying levels are used to deduce the initial spin distribution using statistical calculations and are compared with a semiclassical model of the $(p,t)$ reaction. Experimental and theoretical results suggest a peak strength near $4{\hbar}$ when gated on outgoing tritons detected in Hyperion, while the full $4{\pi}$ distribution may peak near $2{\hbar}$. Additionally, the average ${\gamma}$-neutron branching ratio is determined from the data with the aid of one of two new codes presented in this work. Finally, the analysis is extended to other recent studies of $^{152,154}\mathrm{Sm}(p,t)$ to form systematics of the spin-dependence of the surrogate method applied to heavy nuclei in the transitional to deformed region.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Particle- γ coincidence spectroscopy of the N = 90 nucleus 154 Gd by ( p,tγ )

A segmented Si-telescope and HPGe array, STARS-LIBERACE, was used to study the 156 Gd(p, tγ) 154 Gd direct reaction by particle- γ coincidence spectroscopy. New cross sections with a 25MeV proton beam are reported and compared to previous (p,t) and (t,p) studies. Furthermore, additional evidence for coexisting K π =0$_1^+$,2$_1^+$ and 0$_2^+$, 2$_2^+$ configurations at N = 90 is presented. Direct and indirect population patterns of the low-lying states are also explored. Review of the new and existing evidence favors an interpretation based on a configuration-dependent pairing interaction. The weakening of monopole pairing strength and an increase in quadrupole pairing strength could bring 2p-2h 0 + states below 2 Δ. This may account for a large number of the low-lying 0 + states observed in two-nucleon transfer reactions. A hypothesis for the origin of the 0$_2^+$ and 0$_3^+$ states is provided.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

The hyperion particle-γ detector array

Hyperion is a new high-efficiency charged-particle γ-ray detector array which consists of a segmented silicon telescope for charged-particle detection and up to fourteen high-purity germanium clover detectors for the detection of coincident γ rays. The array will be used in nuclear physics measurements and Stockpile Stewardship studies and replaces the STARLiTeR array. In conclusion, this article discusses the features of the array and presents data collected with the array in the commissioning experiment.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Investigation of negative-parity states in Dy 156 : Search for evidence of tetrahedral symmetry

An experiment populating low/medium-spin states in 156 Dy was performed to investigate the possibility of tetrahedral symmetry in this nucleus. In particular, focus was placed on the low-spin, negative-parity states since recent theoretical studies suggest that these may be good candidates for this high-rank symmetry. The states were produced in the 148 Nd ( 12 C , 4 n ) reaction and the Gammasphere array was utilized to detect the emitted γ rays. B ( E 2 ) / B ( E 1 ) ratios of transition probabilities from the low-spin, negative-parity bands were determined and used to interpret whether these structures are best associated with tetrahedral symmetry or, as previously assigned, to octupole vibrations. In addition, several other negative-parity structures were observed to higher spin and two new sequences were established.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Investigation of discrete states and quasidiscrete structures observed in 150 Sm and 152 Sm using the (p, tγ) reaction

New levels and γ-ray transitions were identified in 150,152 Sm utilizing the (p,t) reaction and particle-γ coincidence data. A large, peak-like structure observed between 2.3–3.0 MeV in excitation energy in the triton energy spectra was also investigated. The orbital angular-momentum transfer was probed by comparing the experimental angular distributions of the outgoing tritons to calculated distorted wave Born approximation curves. The angular distributions of the outgoing tritons populating the peak-like structure are remarkably similar in the two reactions and are significantly different from the angular distributions associated with the nearby continuum region. Relative partial cross sections for the observed levels, angle averaged between 34 and 58 degrees, were measured. In 150 Sm, 39(4)% of the strength of the peak-like structure could be accounted for by the observed discrete states. This compares with a value of 93(15)% for 152 Sm

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗