Observation of the 2$^+$ isomer in $^{52}$Co

TL;DR

This paper reports the first observation of a 2+ isomer in cobalt-52, including gamma-ray characterization, half-life measurement, and beta decay transition strengths, advancing understanding of nuclear structure in this isotope.

Contribution

It provides the first detection and detailed characterization of the 2+ isomer in $^{52}$Co, including gamma-ray energies, half-life, and decay transition data.

Findings

Observed three gamma-ray transitions at 849, 1910, and 5185 keV.

Measured the isomer's half-life as 102(6) ms.

Determined beta decay transition strengths for $^{52m}$Co to $^{52}$Fe.

Abstract

We report the first observation of the 2$^+$ isomer in $^{52}$Co, produced in the $\beta$ decay of the 0$^+$, $^{52}$Ni ground state. We have observed three $\gamma$-rays at 849, 1910, and 5185 keV characterizing the $\beta$ de-excitation of the isomer. We have measured a half-life of 102(6) ms for the isomeric state. The Fermi and Gamow-Teller transition strengths for the $\beta$ decay of $^{52m}$Co to $^{52}$Fe have been determined. We also add new information on the $\beta$ decay of the 6$^+$, $^{52}$Co ground state, for which we have measured a half-life of 112(3) ms.