Objective The object of the present proposal is the study of the intriguing phenomenon of shape coexistence, whereby an atomic nucleus exhibits different shapes (e.g. spherical, oblate, prolate) at low excitation energy. The measurements will give quantitative information about the nature of the shape coexistence and the interplay between single-nucleon and collective degrees of freedom and should, therefore, reveal important new insight in the underlying mechanisms that determine the nuclear structure. The study will focus on neutron-deficient polonium isotopes, a critical region of the nuclide-chart to tests coherent descriptions of shape coexistence. The study will be achieved via Coulomb excitation experiments using state-of-the-art beams from CERN’s isotope separator on-line facility ISOLDE and the highly segmented germanium detector array MINIBALL. A quantitative analysis of the configuration mixing in the wave-functions will be deduced from the measurements of the transition matrix elements between low-lying excited states. The data will be combined with other experimental observables (mean square charge radii, magnetic moments, alpha- and beta-decay transition probabilities, level structures) and compared with contemporary theoretical predictions (mean-field and shell-model calculations and symmetry-based approaches). Through the present proposal the candidate will have the unique opportunity to receive high-level training in: radioactive nuclei production via the ISOL method, laser resonant ionization, gamma-ray spectroscopy with highly segmented germanium detectors and nuclear structure properties in heavy nuclei. This will allow the candidate to extend and deepen her research skills to the field of radioactive nuclei, today one of the major nuclear research field. Qualified researchers are extremely needed in the existing and planned Radioactive Ion Beam facilities. Fields of science natural sciencesphysical sciencesatomic physics Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IEF - Marie Curie Action: "Intra-European Fellowships for Career Development" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IEF See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-IEF - Intra-European Fellowships (IEF) Coordinator KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN EU contribution € 160 600,00 Address OUDE MARKT 13 3000 Leuven Belgium See on map Region Vlaams Gewest Prov. Vlaams-Brabant Arr. Leuven Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Stijn Delauré (Dr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data