Measurements of Nuclear Level Densities and Gamma-Ray Strength Functions and their Interpretations

Abstract

A method to extract primary $γ$-ray spectra from particle-$γ$ coincidences at excitation energies up to the neutron binding energy is described. From these spectra, the level density and $γ$-ray strength function can be determined. From the level density, several thermodynamical quantities are obtained within the microcanonical and canonical ensemble. Also models for the $γ$-ray strength function are discussed.