The Oslo Method in Inverse Kinematics

Abstract

The statistical properties of nuclei are important to our understanding of the nuclear structure and are input to astrophysical models for the formation of elements heavier than iron. Currently there are little data on these properties for unstable nuclei, which makes evaluation of models for these properties difficult. In addition, the lack of data strongly affects the accuracy of astrophysical models describing the production of elements heavier than iron. This doctorial work explores how one can measure statistical properties of nuclei that cannot be reached using the traditional experiments of light ions impinging on a solid target. Specifically, the thesis presents the statistical properties of 87Kr and 67Ni from experiments where heavy ions impinge on deuteron enriched plastic targets. These are the first-ever measurements of statistical properties using this technique. The thesis also includes the development of state-of-the-art detections systems for nuclear experiments. The result of the thesis paves the way for measuring statistical properties in previously inaccessible nuclei, which will help constrain models of the nucleus and improve the accuracy of astrophysical models for production of heavy elements.