Analysis of Gamma Rays from ¹⁶⁶Hf

Cheryl Meltz

Advisor: Dr. Charles H. Holbrow, Colgate University

Abstract

Coincidence spectra of gamma rays emitted from ¹⁶⁶Hf formed by bombarding ¹⁴⁸Sm with 106-119 MeV ²⁰Ne ions have been recorded. These data, taken with OSIRIS, a large array of gamma ray detectors with Compton suppression shields, clearly show the rotational structure of ¹⁶⁶Hf. From the resulting coincidence spectra it is possible to determine the level structure of the nucleus. I have used the software program, Radware, to extract this information and build a level diagram of ¹⁶⁶Hf. I calculated from the data the dynamic moment of inertia of the nucleus when it is in states in the main band. For the first gamma transition this value is 26.1 ¥²-MeV^-1. This value increases as nucleus spins faster, signaling that the nucleus undergoes shape changes as it reaches higher and higher spin states.