Evidence for shape coexistence in $^{120}$Sn from the first $0^+_3$ lifetime measurement

TL;DR

This study measures the lifetime of a specific state in $^{120}$Sn, providing evidence for shape coexistence and mixing between nuclear states, using advanced timing techniques after neutron capture.

Contribution

First lifetime measurement of the $0^+_3$ state in $^{120}$Sn, revealing shape coexistence and state mixing through new experimental data.

Findings

Lifetime of $0^+_3$ state is 50(7) ps.

Evidence of shape coexistence in $^{120}$Sn.

Increased $E0$ transition strength compared to $^{116}$Sn.

Abstract

The lifetime of the $0^+_3$ state in $^{120}$Sn was measured for the first time applying the fast-timing technique following thermal neutron capture. The mean lifetime of $\tau = 50(7)$~ps leads to a $E0$ transition strength of $10^3\times \rho^2(E0;0^+_3\rightarrow0^+_2) = 120(50)$, suggesting shape coexistence and a high degree of mixing between the $0^+_2$ and $0^+_3$ states. With the newly measured lifetime, the $B(E2;0^+_3\rightarrow 2^+_1)$ value is 0.50(7)~W.u., which reveals that the $\rho^2(E0;0^+_3\rightarrow0^+_1)$ increases by a factor of $\approx 3.4$ from $^{116}$Sn to $^{120}$Sn.