Search for exotic decay modes at the proton drip line

Abstract

In experiments at GANIL and at GSI, we explored the proton drip line to search for new isotopes and to study the decay modes of nuclei close to the drip line. Detailed studies of the decay of 22 Al and 24 Si yielded new decay branches for these nuclei, in particular a β-delayed α emission for 22 Al. Studies at GSI revealed the new isotopes 42 Cr, 45 Fe, and 49 Ni, 45 Fe being most probably the best candidate for the yet unobserved two-proton ground-state emission. Finally at GANIL, the fragmentation of 92 Mo showed clear evidence for the new isotopes 77 Y, 79 Zr, and 83 Mo, 77 Y being a good candidate for proton ground-state emission. The measurement of the half-lives of odd-odd N = Z nuclei in this region shows clearly the presence of a super-allowed β-decay branch.