Searching for Shape Coexistence in \(^{123}Te\)(n,γ) Thermal Neutron Capture

Abstract

Shape coexistence has been established in several nuclei in the \({Z}\) = 50 region of the chart of nuclides, but tellurium has thus far not been definitively characterized. In an attempt to characterize the structure of \(^{124}Te\), a measurement of the \(^{123}Te\)(n,γ) reaction was made using FIPPS, the Fission Prompt Product γ-ray Spectrometer, at the Institut Laue-Langevin in Grenoble, France. A very high statistics data set was obtained, with on the order of \(10^8\) counts in the \(2_1^+\) → \(0_0^+\) transition. γ − γ coincidence data were analyzed. Particular interest was given to the 1647 keV excited \(0^+\) state, as a potential intruder state. \({B(E2)}\) values were calculated for transitions from an elevated \(2^+\) state that directly feeds this suspected \(0^+\) intruder state.