SAIP2025

Electromagnetic and thermodynamic properties in the quasi-continuum of mid-mass nuclei through inverse and direct kinematics.

8 Jul 2025, 10:00

20m

Solomon Mahlangu House (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg)

Oral Presentation Track B - Nuclear, Particle and Radiation Physics Nuclear, Particle and Radiation Physics-1

Speaker

Mhlangano Freedom Nkalanga (University of Johannesburg)

Description

The electromagnetic properties of nuclei excited to the quasi-continuum region are best studied and explained using statistical decay observables, such as the nuclear level density (NLD) and γ-ray strength function (γSF). These quantities can be extracted from experimental particle-γ coincidence matrix using the Oslo method and Shape method, respectively. In this study, experiments were carried out at iThemba LABS using the AFRODITE array with $^{84}$Kr beam on a deuterated polyethylene target, and proton beam on $^{64}$Ni target to undergo (d, p) reactions, producing 85Kr and $^{63}$Ni. The nuclear level density and strength function will be extracted from the coincidence events which were detected in the AFRODITE array. The NLD and γSF will be investigated to i) determine the existence of low-lying energy enhancement in $^{85}$Kr, confirm the reported of low-lying energy enhancement in $^{63}$Ni ii) perform a rigorous test of the Brink-Axel hypothesis in $^{85}$Kr and $^{63}$Ni, and iii) the first experimental determination of thermodynamic properties of $^{85}$Kr and $^{63}$Ni.