Neutron-rich, heavy, EXotic nuclei around the neutron shell closure at N=126 and in the transfermium
region are accessible via multinucleon Transfer reactions which feature relatively high cross sections.
However, the wide angular distributions of the multinucleon transfer products lead to experimental
challenges in their separation and identification.
In order to overcome these obstacles, we are building the NEXT experiment [1] at the PARTREC facility
in Groningen. The AGOR cyclotron at PARTREC delivers high intense heavy ion beams at energies suited
for transfer reactions. The production target for the transfer reactions will be placed inside a 3-T
solenoid magnet which has recently been delivered to our facility. Within the magnet the transfer
products are separated according to their magnetic rigidities. The ions of interest are focused by the
magnet towards a gas catcher where they are slowed down. From the gas catcher the ions are
transferred and bunched by a newly developed stacked-ring ion guide [2] into a Multi-Reflection Time-
of-Flight Mass Spectrometer (MR-ToF MS) [3]. The MR-ToF MS allows for precision mass measurements
and provides isobaric separation for background-free decay spectroscopy.
In my seminar, we will present an overview of the NEXT setup, its current status and the planned
experimental program.
INFN & DFA Recchia Francesco