Precision mass measurement of ${}^{173}$Hf for nuclear structure of ${}^{173}$Lu and the ${\hat{I}}^3$ process

Abstract

We report on the precise mass measurement of the ${}^{173}$Hf isotope performed at the Ion Guide Isotope Separator On-Line facility using the JYFLTRAP double Penning trap mass spectrometer. The new mass-excess value, $\mathrm{ME}=-55390.8(30)$ keV, is in agreement with the literature while being nine times more precise. The newly determined ${}^{173}$Hf electron-capture $Q$ value, $Q_{EC}=1490.2(34)$ keV, allows us to firmly reject the population of an excited state at 1578 keV in ${}^{173}$Lu and 11 transitions tentatively assigned to the decay of ${}^{173}$Hf. Our refined mass value of ${}^{173}$Hf reduces mass-related uncertainties in the reaction rate of ${}^{174}$Hf$({\hat{I}}^3,n{)}^{173}$Hf. Thus, the rate for the main photodisintegration destruction channel of the $p$ nuclide ${}^{174}$Hf in the relevant temperature region for the ${\hat{I}}^3$ process is better constrained.

5 pages, 2 figures