https://doi.org/10.1140/epja/i2016-16328-2
Regular Article - Experimental Physics
Investigation of electron capture decay of 258Db and 
decay of 258Rf
1
GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung, GmbH, 64291, Darmstadt, Germany
2
Helmholtz-Institut Mainz, 55099, Mainz, Germany
3
Department of Nuclear Physics and Biophysics, Comenius University in Bratislava, 84248, Bratislava, Slovakia
4
Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, 55128, Mainz, Germany
5
GANIL, 14076, Caen CEDEX 5, France
* e-mail: F.P.Hessberger@gsi.de
Received:
19
July
2016
Accepted:
14
October
2016
Published online:
11
November
2016
Electron capture decay of 258 Db was measured directly via delayed coincidences between K X-rays and/or conversion electrons (from the electron capture decay), and spontaneous fission or decay of the daughter nuclide 258Rf. Delayed K X-rays were also measured in prompt coincidence with conversion electrons, showing that electron capture decay also populates excited levels in the daughter nucleus. Our data indicate electron capture decay from two states in 258Db, thus supporting the existence of two long-lived states in 258Db with some seconds half-life already known from 
-decay studies. The analysis of correlations between photons, conversion electrons and fission events resulted in a strong evidence for population of two isomeric states in 258Rf by the electron capture decay of 258Db, with half-lives of 
μs and 
ms. A previously reported branch of 258Rf was confirmed. However, we obtained a significantly lower branching ratio 
. The technique is discussed as a possible new method for Z-identification of odd-odd superheavy nuclei.
© SIF, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg, 2016
