Speaker
Description
The electromagnetic properties of nuclei excited to the quasi-continuum region are
best studied and explained using statistical decay observables, such as the nuclear
level density (NLD) and γ-ray strength function (γSF). These quantities can be
extracted from experimental particle-γ coincidence matrix using the Oslo method and
Shape method, respectively. In this study, experiments were carried out at iThemba
LABS using the AFRODITE array with $^{85}$Kr beam on a deuterated polyethylene
target, and proton beam on 64Ni target to undergo (d, p) reactions, producing $^{85}$Kr and $^{63}$Ni. The nuclear level density and strength function will be extracted from the coincidence events which were detected in the AFRODITE array. The NLD and γSF will be investigated to i) determine the existence of low-lying energy enhancement in $^{85}$Kr, confirm the reported of low-lying energy enhancement in $^{63}$Ni ii) perform a rigorous test of the Brink-Axel hypothesis in $^{85}$Kr and $^{63}$Ni, and iii) the first experimental determination of thermodynamic properties of $^{85}$Kr and $^{63}$Ni.
