Abstract
Background: Transfer reactions are a useful tool for studying nuclear structure, particularly in the regime of low level densities and strong single-particle strengths. In addition, transfer reactions can populate levels above particle decay thresholds, allowing for the possibility of studying the subsequent decays and furthering our understanding of the nuclei being probed. In particular, the decay of loosely bound nuclei such as 12N can help inform and improve structure models. Purpose: To learn about the decay of excited states in 12N, to more generally inform nuclear structure models, particularly in the case of particle-unbound levels in low-mass systems which are within the realm of ab-initio calculations. Method: In a follow-up analysis of previously published data [1], decay particles from excited states populated in 12N have been detected in coincidence with tritons from the 14N(p,t)12N transfer reaction. Specifically, decay protons from proton-unbound levels above 2 MeV excitation energy were observed by utilizing the Jet Experiments in Nuclear Structure and Astrophysics (JENSA) gas jet target. Results: Proton branching ratios and decay particle spectra for the populated levels are given. Conclusions: The current data from 14N(p,t)12N will help provide nuclear structure and decay information input to models in this mass region.