The atomic nuclei that we propose to study are among the heaviest known so far. They have more than 100 protons, they do not exist in nature and are very fragile and short-lived. Their existence is due to very tiny quantal effects. We are therefore studying an extreme state of the matter whose limits and properties are still poorly explored.



The thesis subject will mainly focus on experiments performed at the University of Jyväskylä (Finland) and at GANIL (Caen) on mendelevium and californium isotopes. The goal is to perform their gamma and electron spectroscopy to deduce their structure: single particle properties and collective properties (deformation, rotation). After having performed experiments foreseen in 2013, the student will analyze the experimental data; single particle and collective properties will be deduced and then compared to theoretical models.



The applicant may also contribute to developments of new instruments for GANIL/Spiral2: new Super Separator Spectrometer S3 for ultra-intense Spiral2 beams; development of the ?gas-filled? mode of the VAMOS spectrometer.