Spectroscopy of $^{196}$Hg using Digital INGA at VECC, Kolkata

TL;DR

This study used the Indian National Gamma Array to investigate the nuclear structure of $^{196}$Hg, identifying new gamma-ray transitions and levels, and providing refined spin-parity assignments for this isotope.

Contribution

It reports the first detailed spectroscopic data for $^{196}$Hg using digital gamma-ray detection, including new level and transition identifications and improved spin-parity assignments.

Findings

New gamma-ray transitions identified in $^{196}$Hg

Refined level scheme with additional states

Improved spin-parity assignments for nuclear levels

Abstract

Spectroscopic investigation of the $^{196}$Hg (Z=80, N=116) was carried out using the Indian National Gamma Array (INGA) setup at the Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre (VECC), Kolkata. Analysis of the acquired data led to the identification of new $\gamma$-ray transitions and levels in the excitation pattern of the nucleus along with the spin-parity assignments thereof. The latter were either previously absent or had been tentatively identified. Theoretical interpretation of the level structure obtained from these efforts can be pursued with appropriate model calculations.