Precision measurements were carried out to test the similarities between the ground states of ${}^{76}\mathrm{Ge}$ and ${}^{76}\mathrm{Se}$. The extent to which these two nuclei can be characterized as consisting of correlated pairs of neutrons in a BCS-like ground state was studied. The pair removal $(p,t)$ reaction was measured at the far forward angle of $3^{°}$. The relative cross sections are consistent (at the 5% level) with the description of these nuclei in terms of a correlated pairing state outside the $N=28$ closed shells with no pairing vibrations. Data were also obtained for ${}^{74}\mathrm{Ge}$ and ${}^{78}\mathrm{Se}$.

• Received 22 December 2006

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.75.051301