Abstract
The rp process provides a mechanism whereby energy is generated and proton-rich nuclei are synthesized in various astrophysical environments. Understanding this process requires knowledge of the half-lives, binding energies, and reaction cross sections for the nuclei along its path, which for A≳60 lies near the proton-drip line. Using the A1200 radioactive-beam facility at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory, we have performed an experiment to measure the β-decay half-lives of several =-1/2 nuclei in this mass region by identification and implantation of projectile fragments followed by a rapid beam cutoff and observation of the β decay. Using this technique, the half-lives of , , and (0.15±0.03 s, ms, and 0. s, respectively) have been measured and are found to be consistent with expectations from β-decay theory for decay between mirror states with ∼9 MeV. In addition, the proton-rich nucleus has been observed for the first time. The experimental method used for this measurement and the implications of these results for the rp process are discussed.
- Received 12 July 1993
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.48.3097
©1993 American Physical Society