Study of 0⁺States at iThemba LABS

An initial series of experiments utilising the (³He,n) reactions have been carried out at iThemba LABS. These are complimentary to transfer reactions such as (t,p) stripping or (p,t) pick-up reactions measurements using magnetic spectrometers. However, in the past, (³He,n) measurements have suffered from ambiguities due to the low energy resolution inbuilt into the time-of-flight techniques used. By combining neutron detection techniques with the AFRODITE γ-ray array, it has been shown that very good energy resolutions can be achieved. This enables the relative strengths of two proton stripping to excited states, separated by only a few keV, to be accurately measured. This technique has been applied to first excited 0₂+ states and, in particular to those uniquely seen in double β-decay.