Gamma-strength functions in 60Ni from two-step cascades following proton capture

TL;DR

This study applies the two-step cascade method to proton capture on 59Co to measure gamma-strength functions in 60Ni, revealing low-energy enhancements in M1 strength functions similar to those observed in other reactions.

Contribution

It introduces the use of the two-step cascade method in proton capture reactions to analyze gamma-strength functions in 60Ni, expanding the technique's application.

Findings

Low-energy enhancement observed in M1 gamma-strength functions.

Method reveals possible shapes of E1 and M1 gamma-strength functions.

Applicable to proton capture reactions for nuclear structure studies.

Abstract

The two-step cascade method previously used in neutron capture experiments is now applied to a proton capture reaction. The spectrum of two-step cascades populating the first 2+ level of 60Ni has been measured with 59Co(p,2gamma)60Ni reaction. The simulation technique used for the spectrum analysis allows one to reveal the range of possible shapes of both E1 and M1 gamma-strength functions. The low-energy enhancement previously observed in 3He induced reactions is seen to appear in M1 strength functions of 60Ni.