First determination of ${\hat{I}}^2$-delayed multiple neutron emission beyond A = 100 through direct neutron measurement: The P${}_{2n}$ value of ${}^{136}$Sb

Abstract

Background: ${\hat{I}}^2$-delayed multiple neutron emission has been observed for some nuclei with A$\le$100, with ${}^{100}$Rb being the heaviest ${\hat{I}}^2$2n emitter measured to date. So far, only 25 P${}_{2n}$ values have been determined for the $\sim$300 nuclei that may decay in this way. Accordingly, it is of interest to measure P${}_{2n}$ values for the other possible multiple neutron emitters throughout the chart of the nuclides. It is of particular interest to make such measurement for nuclei with A$>$100 to test the predictions of theoretical models and simulation tools for the decays of heavy nuclei in the region of very neutron-rich nuclei. In addition, the decay properties of these nuclei are fundamental for the understanding of astrophysical nucleosynthesis processes such as the $r$-process, and safety inputs for nuclear reactors. Purpose: To determine for the first time the two neutron branching ratio, P${}_{2n}$ value, for ${}^{136}$Sb through a direct neutron measurement, and to provide precise P${}_{1n}$ values for ${}^{136}$Sb and ${}^{136}$Te. Method: Pure beams were provided by the JYFLTRAP at the IGISOL facility of the University of Jyväskylä, Finland. The purified ions were implanted into a moving tape at the end of the beam line. The detection setup consisted of a plastic scintillator placed right behind the implantation point, and the BELEN detector, based on neutron counters embedded in a polyethylene matrix. The analysis was based on the study of the ${\hat{I}}^2$- and neutron- growth-and-decay curves and the ${\hat{I}}^2$-one-neutron and ${\hat{I}}^2$-two-neutron time correlations. Results: The P${}_{2n}$ value of ${}^{136}$Sb was found to be 0.14(3)\% and the measured P${}_{1n}$ values for ${}^{136}$Sb and ${}^{136}$Te were found to be 32.2(15)\% and 1.47(6)\%, respectively. The measured P${}_{2n}$ value is a factor 44 smaller than predicted by the FRDM+QRPA model used for $r$-process calculations.

11 pages, 10 figures