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.