Doctoral Degrees (Physics)

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Browsing Doctoral Degrees (Physics) by Subject "Atomic nuclei"

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    Spectroscopy of 50Ti through internal-pair formation
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2023-04) Chisapi, Maluba Vernon; Jones, P.; Newman, R. T.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Science. Dept. of Physics.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Electric monopole (E0) transitions are closely tied to shape coexistence in atomic nuclei. Th E0 transition strength, ρ²(E0), is directly connected to nuclear mean-square charge radii. A large E0 transition strength is a reliable indicator of nuclear shape coexistence and strong mixing between admixture states of different deformation. Electric monopole transitions are possible between states of the same spin and parity such as two 0⁺ states. They proceed via internal conversion and internal-pair formation. Detecting conversion electrons and electron-positron pairs is normally done using magnetic lens spectrometers. A solenoid magnetic lens spectrometer was successfully refurbished and upgraded, giving it the capability to measure internal-pair formations (IPF) in addition to internal conversion electrons (ICE), at the iThemba Laboratory for Accelerator Based Sciences, in Cape Town, South Africa. The equipment can be coupled to other facilities or integrated into the existing beamlines. The smaller detector mount point in the original design of the electron spectrometer which only accommodated 300-500 mm2 active area, 2-5 mm thick single crystal Si(Li) detectors was replaced by a mount point with provision for a much larger 2800 mm2 active area, 11 mm thick segmented LEPS detector. The LEPS detector was adapted by replacing the thicker, 300 µm beryllium, window on the end-cap with a thinner, 0.5 µm Mylar window in order to minimise particle energy loss. Efficiency of the refurbished spectrometry system was optimised with the aid of Geant4 simulations and was estimated between 45% and 50% for 1 MeV electrons or positrons at 500 G magnetic field. The lens spectrometer was coupled with a mini γ-array comprised of seven Compton-suppressed HPGe Clover detectors, which gave additional experimental capabilities such as measuring γ-rays in coincidence with internal conversion electrons (ICE), and internal-pairs (IPF). Testing for proof of principle was done through measurements with the 207Bi radioactive source, and the experimental ICC values of 570 keV and 1064 keV K, L, M -shell electrons were determined and compared to literature. An in-beam experiment involving a 30 MeV α-beam on a 96% enriched 50Ti self-supporting target was performed to investigate the 3868.3 keV E0 (0⁺ → 0⁺) electric monopole transition and its alternative E2 (0⁺ → 2⁺) transition. The in-beam experimental campaign was not only a commissioning experiment for the newly refurbished magnetic lens spectrometer, but it was also part of the larger endeavour to characterise excited 0⁺ states and E0 transitions in the N Z 28 region of the nuclear chart. The state of interest was expected to be populated by the 50Ti(α, αI )50Ti inelastic scattering reaction but judging by the significant yield of the 50,51,52Cr, 50,49,48,47Ti and 52,51V residual nuclei, it was clear that the experiment proceeded via fusion-evaporation reaction instead. Gamma-ray transitions of these residual nuclei were thoroughly investigated and level schemes have been built. In addition, over ten conversion electrons were identified in the singles mode.