# Nuclear level densities and gamma-ray strength functions in samarium isotopes

## TL;DR

This study investigates gamma-ray strength functions and level densities in samarium isotopes using the Oslo method, revealing an upbend in low-energy gamma strength and its relation to the scissors mode, supported by shell-model calculations.

## Contribution

First application of the Oslo method to 147,149Sm isotopes, identifying the upbend and its connection to the scissors mode with theoretical validation.

## Key findings

- Observed an upbend in low-energy gamma-ray strength functions.
- Identified the interplay between scissors mode and the upbend.
- Shell-model calculations agree with experimental data.

## Abstract

The gamma-strength functions and level densities in the quasi-continuum of 147;149Sm isotopes have been extracted from particle-coincidences using the Oslo method. The nuclei of interest were populated via (p,d) reactions on pure 148;150Sm targets and the reaction products were recorded by the Hyperion array. An upbend in the low-energy region of the gSF has been observed. The systematic analysis of the gSF for a range of Sm isotopes highlights the interplay between scissors mode and the upbend. Shell-model calculations show reasonable agreement with the experimental gSFs and confirm the correspondence between the upbend and scissors mode.