EDP Sciences, EPJ Web of Conferences, (63), p. 01015, 2013
DOI: 10.1051/epjconf/20136301015
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An initial series of experiments utilising the (He-3, n) reactions have been carried out at iThemba LABS. These are complimentary to transfer reactions such as (t, p) stripping or (p, t) pick-up reactions measurements using magnetic spectrometers. However, in the past, (He-3, n) measurements have suffered from ambiguities due to the low energy resolution inbuilt into the time-of-flight techniques used. By combining neutron detection techniques with the AFRODITE gamma-ray array, it has been shown that very good energy resolutions can be achieved. This enables the relative strengths of two proton stripping to excited states, separated by only a few keV, to be accurately measured. This technique has been applied to first excited 0(2)+ states and, in particular to those uniquely seen in double beta-decay.