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.