Validity of the generalized Brink-Axel hypothesis in ${}^{238}$Np

Abstract

We have analyzed primary $\gamma$-ray spectra of the odd-odd ${}^{238}$Np nucleus extracted from ${}^{237}$Np($d,p\gamma$)${}^{238}$Np coincidence data measured at the Oslo Cyclotron Laboratory. The primary $\gamma$ spectra cover an excitation-energy region of $0\le E_i\le 5.4$ MeV, and allowed us to perform a detailed study of the $\gamma$-ray strength as function of excitation energy. Hence, we could test the validity of the generalized Brink-Axel hypothesis, which, in its strictest form, claims no excitation-energy dependence on the $\gamma$ strength. In this work, using the available high-quality ${}^{238}$Np data, we show that the $\gamma$-ray strength function is to a very large extent independent on the initial and final states. Thus, for the first time, the generalized Brink-Axel hypothesis has been experimentally verified for $\gamma$ transitions between states in the quasi-continuum region, not only for specific collective resonances, but also for the full strength below the neutron separation energy. Based on our findings, the necessary criteria for the generalized Brink-Axel hypothesis to be fulfilled are outlined.

5 pages, 6 figures

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