Evolution of deformation in neutron-rich Er and Yb isotopes

• Applicant: Dr. Pavlos Koseoglou
• Subject Area: Nuclear and Elementary Particle Physics, Quantum Mechanics, Relativity, Fields
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 539757749

Measurements of several observables are proposed in order to investigate the structural evolution in the Er and Yb isotopic chains and provide clear evidence on the character of nuclear interactions shaping the nuclear matter in the N=104 midshell mass regime. The objectives of the proposal are examining the shape/deformation evolution in the nuclei in the N=104 midshell region, investigating the shape phenomena in the area, and the underlying physical laws. This will be achieved by extending the available experimental data in the neutronrich isotopes, namely in 172Er and 178Yb, and by their structural classification by using several theoretical models. To address these, three Work Packages will focus on the following: – [A] Investigation of nuclear structure effects in 178Yb via combined gamma-spectroscopy and lifetime measurements in excited states. The measurements will include: investigation of the side bands (specially the 0+ band-head state of the beta-band), and lifetime measurements, with the fast-timing method, in the 2+ and 4+ ground-band states. – [B] Investigation of nuclear structure effects in 172Er via gamma-spectroscopy and lifetime measurements in excited states. The measurements will include: spin and parity assignments of the ground-band states in 172Er, investigation of the side bands (specially the 0+ band-head state of the beta-band), and lifetime measurements, with the fast-timing method, in the 2+ and 4+ ground-band states. The theoretical interpretation of the experimental results and the structural classification of the isotopes will be done through the proxy-SU(3) model, the Interacting Boson Model and several geometrical models.

• DFG Programme: WBP Fellowship
• International Connection: Greece
• Host: Professor Theodoros Mertzimekis, Ph.D.