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The heavy-ion radiative capture reaction 12 C(16 O,γ) 28 Si has been studied at three energies E c.m. = 8.5, 8.8, and 9 MeV which are close to the Coulomb barrier. The weak radiative capture process has been identified by measuring the 28 Si recoils in the highly selective 0 • spectrometer DRAGON at TRIUMF (Vancouver). The coincident γ rays have been recorded in the associated BGO array. This has allowed a complete measurement of the γ spectrum and the relative strength of all decay pathways. An important part of the decay through quasibound states close to the particle threshold and the feeding of bound states with particular deformation have been identified for the first time. Comparisons with Monte Carlo simulations allowed the extraction of the full experimental radiative capture cross section. Our results suggest an important contribution of spins J π = 5 − and 6 + in the entrance channel. The surprisingly large cross sections from 12 μb at E c.m. = 8.5 MeV to 25 μb at E c.m. = 9.0 MeV for the heavy-ion radiative capture process are discussed in terms of the interplay between statistical and structural aspects of the process.

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There exists an ongoing need to develop and improve methods of detecting radioactive materials. As each radioactive isotope leaves a unique mark in a form of the particles it emits, new materials capable of detecting and measuring these particles are constantly sought. Neutrons and their detectors play a significant role in areas such as nuclear power generation, nuclear decommissioning and decontamination, border security, nuclear proliferation and nuclear medicine.Owing to the complexity of their detection, as well as scarcity of 3 He, which has historically been the preferred choice for neutron detection in many application fields, new sensitive materials are sought. Organic and inorganic scintillating crystals have been recognised as particularly good alternatives, and as such systems that utilise them are increasingly common. As they allow investigation of the neutron energy spectra, greater information about the radioactive source can be inferred. Therefore, in this article, an extensive review of scintillating crystals used for neutron detection is presented. By describing the history of scintillating crystals and discussing changes that occurred in their use and development of methods for radiation detection, the authors present a comprehensive overview of the current situation. Supported by a practical example, possible future directions of the research area are also presented.

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