Exploring the mass determination of [superscript 33] MG through the time-of-flight technique

Abstract

Neutron-rich unstable isotopes are critical to our understanding of the origins of the heavy elements found on Earth. Their properties, such as mass and binding energy, enable us to look into the nuclear structure, and certain structural anomalies, such as shell closures. In this experiment, the feasibility of using a time-of-flight technique for mass determination was determined using the neutron-rich isotope [superscript 33]Mg. [superscript33]Mg was chosen due to its close proximity to [superscript32]Mg, which experiences a breakdown of the N=20 shell closure. The mass found for [superscript33]Mg did not agree to within uncertainty with the accepted value. The resolution of the mass value was comparable with previous experiments, indicating that through future optimized experiments this technique could prove to be acceptable.