Prolate-spherical shape coexistence at N=28 in 44S.

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Physics
• Atomic and Molecular Physics

Background:

• Understanding nuclear structure is crucial for nuclear physics.
• Investigating the properties of exotic nuclei like 44S provides insights into nuclear forces and models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the nuclear structure of 44S.
• To measure decay rates of the 02+ isomeric state for the first time.
• To explore shape coexistence and configuration mixing in 44S.

Main Methods:

• Delayed gamma and electron spectroscopy were employed.
• Decay rates of the 02+ isomeric state were measured.
• Shell model calculations and a two-level mixing model were used for analysis.

Main Results:

• The reduced transition probability B(E2: 2(1)+→0(2)+) was determined to be 8.4(26) e(2) fm4.
• The monopole strength ρ2(E0: 0(2)+→0(1)+) was measured as 8.7(7)×10(-3).
• Results suggest prolate-spherical shape coexistence in 44S.

Conclusions:

• The study provides the first experimental data on specific decay rates in 44S.
• Evidence for shape coexistence and weak configuration mixing was found.
• The findings contribute to refining nuclear structure models.