Spectroscopy of ${}^{33}$Mg with knockout reactions

Abstract

The structure of ${}^{33}$Mg was investigated by means of two knockout reactions, one-neutron removal from ${}^{34}$Mg and one-proton removal from ${}^{34}$Al. Using comparative analysis of the population of observed excited states in the residual ${}^{33}$Mg, the nature of these states can be deciphered. In addition, the long-standing controversy about the parity of the ${}^{33}$Mg ground state is resolved using momentum distribution analysis, showing a clear signature for negative parity. Partial cross section measurements are compared with the results of eikonal reaction theory combined with large-scale shell model calculations of this complex nucleus located in the island of inversion, where configuration mixing plays a major role.