Evidence for the pair-breaking process in 116,117Sn

TL;DR

This study experimentally investigates the nuclear level densities of 116,117Sn, revealing exponential growth, odd-even effects, and step-like features indicative of nucleon pair-breaking processes.

Contribution

It provides new experimental evidence for pair-breaking signatures in nuclear level densities of 116,117Sn, enhancing understanding of nuclear structure.

Findings

Level densities increase exponentially with energy.

Odd-even effects influence level density magnitudes.

Step-like structures suggest nucleon pair-breaking events.

Abstract

The nuclear level densities of 116,117Sn below the neutron separation energy have been determined experimentally from the (3He,alpha gamma) and (3He,3He gamma') reactions, respectively. The level densities show a characteristic exponential increase and a difference in magnitude due to the odd-even effect of the nuclear systems. In addition, the level densities display pronounced step-like structures that are interpreted as signatures of subsequent breaking of nucleon pairs.