Neutron-rich Pd-119 nuclei were produced in fission of natural uranium, induced by 25-MeV protons. Fission fragments swiftly extracted with the Ion Guide Isotope Separation On-Line method were mass separated using a dipole magnet and a Penning trap, providing mono-isotopic samples of Pd-119. Their beta(-) decay was measured with gamma gamma- and beta gamma-spectroscopy methods using low-energy germanium detectors and a thin plastic scintillator. Two distinct nuclear-level structures were observed in Ag-119, based on the 1/2(-) and 7/2(+) isomers reported previously. The beta(-)decay work was complemented by a prompt-gamma study of levels in Ag-119 populated in spontaneous fission of (252)cf, performed using the Gammasphere array of germanium detectors. Contrary to previous suggestions, our data show that the 1/2(-) isomer is located below the 7/2(+) isomer and is proposed as a new ground state of Ag-119 with the 7/2(+) isomer excitation energy determined to be 33.4 keV. Our data indicate that there are two beta unstable isomers in Pd-119, a proposed ground state of Pd-119 with tentative spin 1/2(-) or 3/2(+) and a half-life of 0.88 s and the other one about 350 keV above, having spin (11/2(-)) and a half-life of 0.85 s. The higher-energy isomer probably decays to the 1/2(-) or 3/2(+) ground state via a gamma cascade comprising 18.7-219.8-X-keV transitions. The unobserved isomeric transition with energy X approximate to 100 keV probably has an E3 multipolarity. Its hindrance factor is significantly lower than for analogous E3 isomeric transitions in lighter Pd isotopes, suggesting an oblate deformation of levels in Pd-119. Oblate configurations in Ag-119 are discussed also.

Neutron-rich $^{119}\mathrm{Pd}$ nuclei were produced in fission of natural uranium, induced by 25-MeV protons. Fission fragments swiftly extracted with the Ion Guide Isotope Separation On-Line method were mass separated using a dipole magnet and a Penning trap, providing mono-isotopic samples of $^{119}\mathrm{Pd}$. Their ${\ensuremath{\beta}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ decay was measured with $\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\gamma}$- and $\ensuremath{\beta}\ensuremath{\gamma}$-spectroscopy methods using low-energy germanium detectors and a thin plastic scintillator. Two distinct nuclear-level structures were observed in $^{119}\mathrm{Ag}$, based on the $1/{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ and $7/{2}^{+}$ isomers reported previously. The ${\ensuremath{\beta}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$-decay work was complemented by a prompt-$\ensuremath{\gamma}$ study of levels in $^{119}\mathrm{Ag}$ populated in spontaneous fission of $^{252}\mathrm{Cf}$, performed using the Gammasphere array of germanium detectors. Contrary to previous suggestions, our data show that the $1/{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ isomer is located below the $7/{2}^{+}$ isomer and is proposed as a new ground state of $^{119}\mathrm{Ag}$ with the $7/{2}^{+}$ isomer excitation energy determined to be 33.4 keV. Our data indicate that there are two $\ensuremath{\beta}$ unstable isomers in $^{119}\mathrm{Pd}$, a proposed ground state of $^{119}\mathrm{Pd}$ with tentative spin $1/{2}^{+}$ or $3/{2}^{+}$ and a half-life of 0.88 s and the other one about 350 keV above, having spin ($11/{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$) and a half-life of 0.85 s. The higher-energy isomer probably decays to the $1/{2}^{+}$ or $3/{2}^{+}$ ground state via a $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ cascade comprising 18.7-219.8-$\mathrm{X}$-keV transitions. The unobserved isomeric transition with energy $X\ensuremath{\approx}100$ keV probably has an $E3$ multipolarity. Its hindrance factor is significantly lower than for analogous $E3$ isomeric transitions in lighter Pd isotopes, suggesting an oblate deformation of levels in $^{119}\mathrm{Pd}$. Oblate configurations in $^{119}\mathrm{Ag}$ are discussed also.

Low-spin, excited states of the $^{89}\mathrm{Br}$ nucleus, populated in ${\ensuremath{\beta}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ decay of $^{89}\mathrm{Se}$ have been studied for the first time. The $^{89}\mathrm{Se}$ nuclei were produced in proton-induced fission of natural thorium using the IGISOL facility and separated using a dipole magnet and the coupled JYFLTRAP Penning trap. Gamma radiation following the ${\ensuremath{\beta}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ decay of $^{89}\mathrm{Se}$ was measured with an array of high-resolution germanium detectors. Levels scheme of $^{89}\mathrm{Br}$ was extended by 12 new levels and 31 new $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ transitions. Spin-parity (3/${2}^{+}$) has been proposed for the ground state of the $^{89}\mathrm{Se}$ mother nucleus, replacing the (5/${2}^{+}$) assignment reported in data bases. The observed Gamow-Teller ${\ensuremath{\beta}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ transition to the 1754.5-keV level indicates a $\ensuremath{\pi}{g}_{9/2}$-based configuration. The level scheme of $^{89}\mathrm{Br}$ has been compared to large scale shell-model calculations. Excitations based on $\ensuremath{\pi}{p}_{3/2}$ and $\ensuremath{\pi}{f}_{5/2}$ single-particle levels as well as their anomalous coupling are proposed to explain the low-energy excitation scheme of $^{89}\mathrm{Br}$.

Low-spin, excited states of the Br-89 nucleus, populated in beta(-)decay of Se-89 have been studied for the first time. The Se-89 nuclei were produced in proton-induced fission of natural thorium using the IGISOL facility and separated using a dipole magnet and the coupled JYFLTRAP Penning trap. Gamma radiation following the beta(-) decay of Se-89 was measured with an array of high-resolution germanium detectors. Levels scheme of Br-89 was extended by 12 new levels and 31 new gamma transitions. Spin-parity (3/2(+)) has been proposed for the ground state of the Se-89 mother nucleus, replacing the (5/2(+)) assignment reported in data bases. The observed Gamow-Teller beta(-) transition to the 1754.5-keV level indicates a pi g(9/2)-based configuration. The level scheme of Br-89 has been compared to large scale shell-model calculations. Excitations based on pi p(3/2) and pi f(5/2) single-particle levels as well as their anomalous coupling are proposed to explain the low-energy excitation scheme of Br-89.

Isomeric states in 128In and 130In have been studied with the JYFLTRAP Penning trap at the IGISOL facility. By employing state-of-the-art ion manipulation techniques, three different beta-decaying states in 128In and 130In have been separated and their masses measured. JYFLTRAP was also used to select the ions of interest for identification at a post-trap decay spectroscopy station. A new beta-decaying high-spin isomer feeding the 15− isomer in 128Sn has been discovered in 128In at 1797.6(20) keV. Shell-model calculations employing a CD-Bonn potential re-normalized with the perturbative G-matrix approach suggest this new isomer to be a 16+ spin-trap isomer. In 130In, the lowest-lying (10−) isomeric state at 58.6(82) keV was resolved for the first time using the phase-imaging ion cyclotron resonance technique. The energy difference between the 10− and 1− states in 130In, stemming from parallel/antiparallel coupling of (π0g9/2−1)⊗(ν0h11/2−1), has been found to be around 200 keV lower than predicted by the shell model. Precise information on the energies of the excited states determined in this work is crucial for producing new improved effective interactions for the nuclear shell model description of nuclei near 132Sn.

Isomeric states in ^128In and ^130In have been studied with the JYFLTRAP Penning trap at the IGISOL facility. By employing novel ion manipulation techniques, different states were separated and masses of six beta-decaying states were measured. JYFLTRAP was also used to select the ions of interest for identification at a post-trap decay spectroscopy station. A new beta-decaying high-spin isomer feeding the 15^- isomer in ^128Sn has been discovered in ^128In at 1797.6(20) keV. Shell-model calculations employing a CD-Bonn potential re-normalized with the perturbative G-matrix approach suggest this new isomer to be a 16^+ spin-trap isomer. In ^130In, the lowest-lying (10^-) isomeric state at 58.6(82) keV was resolved for the first time using the phase-imaging ion cyclotron resonance technique. The energy difference between the 10^- and 1^- states in ^130In, stemming from parallel/antiparallel coupling of (π 0g_9/2^-1)⊗(ν 0h_11/2^-1), has been found to be around 200 keV lower than predicted by the shell model. Precise information on the energies of the excited states determined in this work is crucial for producing new improved effective interactions for the nuclear shell model description of nuclei near ^132Sn.

New ground-state level with spin-parity 1/2(+) is established in Mo-109, 69.8 keV below the previously reported 5/2(+) ground state in this nucleus, based on precise spectroscopy measurements of gamma radiation following spontaneous fission of Cm-248 performed using the Eurogam2 array of anti-Compton spectrometers. Analogous measurement of gamma radiation following spontaneous fission of Cf-252, performed using the Gammasphere array, confirms the new 1/2(+) ground state of Mo-107, proposed recently and establishes the isomeric character of the 5/2(+) first excited state in Mo-107. Two beta-decaying isomers are suggested in Mo-111 nucleus based on regular energy systematics, supporting previous predictions. Low-energy excitations in Mo isotopes are interpreted and compared to calculations reported in the literature. The results suggest shape transition from prolate to oblate deformation at N >= 67.

Monoisotopic samples of Nb-107 nuclei, produced in the proton-induced fission of U-238 and separated using the IGISOL mass separator coupled to a Penning trap, were used to perform beta- and gamma-coincidence spectroscopy of Mo-107. Gamma transitions and excited levels in Mo-107 were observed in beta decay for the first time. Spin and parity 1/2(+) for the ground state of Mo-107 is proposed, to replace the previous 5/2(+) assignment. The experimental beta-decay half-life of Nb-107 was estimated to be 0.27 +/- 0.02 s.

Excited levels in $^{87}\mathrm{Br}$, populated in $\ensuremath{\beta}$ decay of $^{87}\mathrm{Se}$, have been studied by means of $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray spectroscopy using an array of broad energy Ge detectors. $^{87}\mathrm{Se}$ nuclei were produced by irradiating a natural Th target with 25-MeV protons. Fission products were extracted from the target chamber using the IGISOL technique, then separated on a dipole magnet and Penning trap (JYFLTRAP) setup. The scheme of excited levels of $^{87}\mathrm{Br}$ has been significantly extended. 114 new transitions and 51 new levels were established. $\ensuremath{\beta}$ feedings and $log(ft)$ values of levels were determined. The upper limit for $\ensuremath{\beta}$ feeding to the ground state of $^{87}\mathrm{Br}$ was determined to be 23(5)%. Ground state spin and parity $5/{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ was confirmed, as suggested by previous studies. We also confirm the low-energy excited state at 6.02 keV. The ground state and two lowest excited states in $^{87}\mathrm{Br}$ were interpreted as the ${(\ensuremath{\pi}{f}_{5/2})}_{j,j\ensuremath{-}1,j\ensuremath{-}2}^{3}$ triplet produced by the so-called anomalous coupling. The 333.61- and 699.26-keV levels were interpreted as $\ensuremath{\pi}{p}_{3/2}$ and $\ensuremath{\pi}{p}_{1/2}$ single-particle excitations. The $9/{2}^{+}$ level reported previously as corresponding to the $\ensuremath{\pi}{g}_{9/2}$ single-particle excitation is proposed to be an isomer with half-life 20 ns. Large-scale shell-model calculations performed in this work are in good agreement with experimental results.

Excited levels in Br-87, populated in beta decay of Se-87, have been studied by means of gamma-ray spectroscopy using an array of broad energy Ge detectors. Se-87 nuclei were produced by irradiating a natural Th target with 25-MeV protons. Fission products were extracted from the target chamber using the IGISOL technique, then separated on a dipole magnet and Penning trap (JYFLTRAP) setup. The scheme of excited levels of Br-87 has been significantly extended. 114 new transitions and 51 new levels were established. beta feedings and log(ft) values of levels were determined. The upper limit for beta feeding to the ground state of Br-87 was determined to be 23(5)%. Ground state spin and parity 5/2(-) was confirmed, as suggested by previous studies. We also confirm the low-energy excited state at 6.02 keV. The ground state and two lowest excited states in Br-87 were interpreted as the (pi f(5)/(2))(3)(j,j-1,j-2) triplet produced by the so-called anomalous coupling. The 333.61- and 699.26-keV levels were interpreted as pi p(3/2) and pi p(1/2) single-particle excitations. The 9/2(+) level reported previously as corresponding to the pi g(9/2) single-particle excitation is proposed to be an isomer with half-life 20 ns. Large-scale shell-model calculations performed in this work are in good agreement with experimental results.

Monoisotopic samples of exotic, neutron-rich Rh-117 nuclei, produced in the proton-induced fission of U-238 and separated using the IGISOL mass separator coupled to the JYFLTRAP Penning trap, were used to perform beta and gamma coincidence spectroscopy of Pd-117. The spin parity of the ground state of Pd-117 was determined to be 1/2(+) and the 19.1 ms isomer at 203.2 keV was assigned a spin-parity 7/2(-). The Rh-117 beta(-)-decay scheme was considerably extended, and various sequences of the levels were interpreted as resulting from the prolate, oblate, and triaxial nuclear shapes. Some of the beta(-) decays were considered as the allowed Gamow-Teller transitions. The experimental distribution of Gamow-Teller strength is discussed.

Excited states in Y-98, populated in neutron-induced fission of U-235 and in spontaneous fission of Cm-248 and Cf-252, have been studied by means of gamma spectroscopy using the Lohengrin fission-fragment separator at ILL Grenoble and the EXILL, Eurogam2, and Gammasphere Ge arrays. Two new isomers have been found in Y-98: a deformed one with T-1/2 = 180(7) ns and a rotational band on top of it, and a spherical one with T-1/2 = 0.45(15) mu s, analogous to the 8(+) isomer in Y-96, corresponding to the (nu g(7/2), pi g(9/2))(8+) spherical configuration. Using the JYFLTRAP Penning trap, an accurate excitation energy of 465.7(7) keV has been determined for the 2.36-s isomer in Y-98. This result and the studies of excited levels in Zr-98, populated in beta-decay of the isomer, indicate a new spin-parity, I-pi = (7)(+) for the isomer. The high spin and the decay properties of this isomer suggest the presence of the 9/2(+)[ 404] neutron extruder orbital in its structure. This is consistent with the large deformation of the isomer, reported recently. The present work does not provide arguments to support the special role of the nu g(7/2)-pi g(9/2) interaction (the spin-orbit-partner, or SOP, mechanism).

Excited levels of $^{88}\mathrm{Br}$ populated in the $\ensuremath{\beta}$ decay of $^{88}\mathrm{Se}$ have been studied by means of $\ensuremath{\beta}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ and $\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ spectroscopy methods. Neutron-rich parent $^{88}\mathrm{Se}$ nuclei were produced with proton-induced fission of $^{238}\mathrm{U}$ using the Ion Guide Isotope Separator On-Line (IGISOL) method and separated from contaminants using a dipole magnet and the coupled JYFLTRAP Penning trap at the Accelerator Laboratory of the University of Jyv\"askyl\"a. The level scheme of $^{88}\mathrm{Br}$ has been constructed and $logft$ values of levels were determined. The ground-state spin of $^{88}\mathrm{Br}$ is now firmly determined to be ${1}^{\ensuremath{-}}$. Low-energy levels in $^{88}\mathrm{Br}$ were interpreted as members of the $\ensuremath{\pi}{p}_{3/2}{(\ensuremath{\nu}{d}_{5/2})}^{3}, \ensuremath{\pi}{p}_{3/2}^{\ensuremath{-}1}{(\ensuremath{\nu}{d}_{5/2})}^{3}, \ensuremath{\pi}{f}_{5/2}^{\ensuremath{-}1}{(\ensuremath{\nu}{d}_{5/2})}^{3}$, and $\ensuremath{\pi}{g}_{9/2}\ensuremath{\nu}{g}_{7/2}$ multiplets. The shell-model calculations performed in this work reproduce well the experimental results.

In the EXILL campaign a highly efficient array of high purity germanium (HPGe) detectors was operated at the cold neutron beam facility PF1B of the Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL) to carry out nuclear structure studies, via measurements of γ-rays following neutron-induced capture and fission reactions. The setup consisted of a collimation system producing a pencil beam with a thermal capture equivalent flux of about 108 n s−1cm−2 at the target position and negligible neutron halo. The target was surrounded by an array of eight to ten anti-Compton shielded EXOGAM Clover detectors, four to six anti-Compton shielded large coaxial GASP detectors and two standard Clover detectors. For a part of the campaign the array was combined with 16 LaBr3:(Ce) detectors from the FATIMA collaboration. The detectors were arranged in an array of rhombicuboctahedron geometry, providing the possibility to carry out very precise angular correlation and directional-polarization correlation measurements. The triggerless acquisition system allowed a signal collection rate of up to 6 × 105 Hz. The data allowed to set multi-fold coincidences to obtain decay schemes and in combination with the FATIMA array of LaBr3:(Ce) detectors to analyze half-lives of excited levels in the pico- to microsecond range. Precise energy and efficiency calibrations of EXILL were performed using standard calibration sources of 133Ba, 60Co and 152Eu as well as data from the reactions 27Al(n,γ)28Al and 35Cl(n,γ)36Cl in the energy range from 30 keV up to 10 MeV.

Excited levels of Br-88 populated in the beta decay of Se-88 have been studied by means of beta gamma and gamma gamma spectroscopy methods. Neutron-rich parent Se-88 nuclei were produced with proton-induced fission of U-238 using the Ion Guide Isotope Separator On-Line (IGISOL) method and separated from contaminants using a dipole magnet and the coupled JYFLTRAP Penning trap at the Accelerator Laboratory of the University of Jyvaskyla. The level scheme of Br-88 has been constructed and log ft values of levels were determined. The ground-state spin of Br-88 is now firmly determined to be 1(-). Low-energy levels in Br-88 were interpreted as members of the pi p(3/2)(nu d(5/2))(3), pi p(3/2)(-1) (nu d(5/2))(3), pi f(5/2)(-1) (nu d(5/2))(3), and pi g(9/2) nu g(7/2) multiplets. The shell-model calculations performed in this work reproduce well the experimental results.

Excited states in Pd-113, populated in beta(-) decay of Rh-113 and in spontaneous fission of Cm-248 and Cf-252, have been studied by means of gamma spectroscopy at the IGISOL facility of Jyvaskyla University and using large arrays of Ge detectors (Eurogam2 and Gammasphere, respectively). The position of the 11/2(-) yrast excitation in Pd-113, proposed recently at 166.1 keV by other authors, has been corrected to 98.9 keV. The decay of this level has been discussed to explain the observed transition intensities. The 7/2(-) member of the yrast, unique-parity configuration has been identified at 84.9 keV and a band on top of this level proposed. On top of the 1/2+, first excited state a band has been built and a new 3/2+ bandhead has been proposed at 151.9 keV. A possible oblate-shape origin of these low-energy bandsheads has been discussed.

We review the present and future of trap-assisted structure studies of odd, neutron-rich Tc, Ru, Rh and Pd isotopes at the limits of present experimental techniques. These nuclei of refractory elements are produced in light-particle induced fission and filtered by their mass number with the IGISOL mass separator. Further mass separation with the JYFLTRAP Penning trap system provides a clean, monoisotopic beam perfectly suited for precise nuclear spectroscopy. Connecting the IGISOL and the JYFLTRAP facilities to the recently installed MCC30/15 cyclotron opens new prospects for post-trap spectroscopy of very exotic, neutron-rich nuclei.

This Brief Report reports on the first observation of the beta(-)-delayed gamma decay of Pb-215, feeding states in Bi-215. The Pb-215 beam was produced using resonant laser ionization and mass separated at the ISOLDE-CERN on-line mass separator. This ensured clean identification of the gamma rays as belonging to the decay of Pb-215 or its beta-decay daughters. A half-life of 147(12)s was measured for the Pb-215 beta decay and a level scheme for the daughter nucleus Bi-215 is proposed, resulting in an extended systematics of the excited states of the neutron-rich Bi isotopes.