Year: 2005
Type: article
Abstract: Nuclei with magic numbers serve as important benchmarks in nuclear theory. In addition, neutron-rich nuclei play an important role in the astrophysical rapid neutron-capture process ($r$ process). $^{78}\mathrm{N}\mathrm{i}$ is the only doubly magic nucleus that is also an important waiting point in the $r$ process, and serves as a major bottleneck in the synthesis of heavier elements. The half-life of $^{78}\mathrm{N}\mathrm{i}$ has been experimentally deduced for the first time at the Coupled Cyclotron Facility of the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory at Michigan State University, and was found to be ${110}_{\ensuremath{-}60}^{+100}\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{ms}$. In the same experiment, a first half-life was deduced for $^{77}\mathrm{N}\mathrm{i}$ of ${128}_{\ensuremath{-}33}^{+27}\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{ms}$, and more precise half-lives were deduced for $^{75}\mathrm{N}\mathrm{i}$ and $^{76}\mathrm{N}\mathrm{i}$ of ${344}_{\ensuremath{-}24}^{+20}\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{ms}$ and ${238}_{\ensuremath{-}18}^{+15}\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{ms}$, respectively.
Source: Physical Review Letters
Language: English
Subfield: Nuclear and High Energy Physics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2158356245