Discovery of Rn-229 and the Structure of the Heaviest Rn and Ra Isotopes from Penning-Trap Mass Measurements


Neidherr D., Audi G., Beck D., Blaum K., Boehm C., Breitenfeldt M., ...More

PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS, vol.102, no.11, 2009 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 102 Issue: 11
  • Publication Date: 2009
  • Doi Number: 10.1103/physrevlett.102.112501
  • Journal Name: PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Istanbul University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The masses of the neutron-rich radon isotopes Rn223-229 have been determined for the first time, using the ISOLTRAP setup at CERN ISOLDE. In addition, this experiment marks the first discovery of a new nuclide, Rn-229, by Penning-trap mass measurement. The new, high-accuracy data allow a fine examination of the mass surface, via the valence-nucleon interaction delta V-pn. The results reveal intriguing behavior, possibly reflecting either a N=134 subshell closure or an octupolar deformation in this region.