Production of medium-mass neutron-rich nuclei in reactions induced by 136Xe projectiles at 1 A GeV on a beryllium target

TL;DR

This paper reports on the measurement of production cross sections of medium-mass neutron-rich nuclei from 136Xe fragmentation at 1 A GeV, identifying 125Pd for the first time and analyzing the optimal reaction mechanisms for extending the nuclear chart near the r-process N=82 region.

Contribution

First measurement of production cross sections for neutron-rich nuclei from 136Xe at high energy, including the discovery of 125Pd, and comparison with models to optimize reaction mechanisms.

Findings

125Pd identified for the first time

Cross sections compared with 238U fission yields and models

Insights into reaction mechanisms for extending the nuclear chart

Abstract

Production cross sections of medium-mass neutron-rich nuclei obtained in the fragmentation of 136Xe projectiles at 1 A GeV have been measured with the FRagment Separator (FRS) at GSI. 125Pd was identified for the first time. The measured cross sections are compared to 238U fission yields and model calculations in order to determine the optimum reaction mechanism to extend the limits of the chart of the nuclides around the r-process waiting point at N=82.