From precision nuclear structure information to constraining statistical properties: Methodical developments in photonuclear reactions

We report on a new method to perform nuclear self-absorption measurements in combination with a monochromatic photon beam produced via laser Compton backscattering. We have used the method for two very different applications: The precision determination of the transition width of the first excited state in ¹²C to the ground state and to determine nuclear level densities up to the neutron separation energy in ⁸⁸Sr. Both experiments serve as a proof of principle and are currently being analyzed. First preliminary results are presented.

Duke Scholars

Author Werner Tornow Physics