Dissertation: Direct measurement of three different deformations near the ground state in the lead-190 nucleus (Montes Plaza)
The coexistence of several shapes or deformations within the same nucleus results from the interplay between the tendency of nuclei to retain their spherical shape and the residual interaction among protons and neutrons to drive the system into a deformed shape. The neutron-deficient lead (Pb) isotopes are well known for exhibiting this phenomenon, which is of major interest for physicists in order to unravel the nuclear force.
Paving the way for new experiments in nuclear interaction
Adrian Montes Plaza combined in his thesis the results from two experiments in which Pb-190 was produced via fusion-evaporation reactions and that were conducted at the Accelerator Laboratory of the Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥. In these, he employed three experimental techniques to probe the Pb-190 nucleus, namely in-beam gamma-ray and internal conversion electron spectroscopy, decay spectroscopy, and lifetime measurements.
- The outcome of my research calls for future experiments in the region aiming to explore exotic phenomena with direct implications on current theoretical models and our understanding of the nuclear interaction, explains Doctoral Researcher Adrian Montes Plaza from Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥.
Ph.D. milestones - Journey to co-spokesperson and liaison
His thesis also includes the analysis and interpretation of analogous coexistence cases in neighbouring lead and thallium isotopes. In addition, Montes Plaza developed the PRINCEPS code, a tool to facilitate the analysis of simultaneous gamma-ray and conversion electron measurements.
- During my Ph.D., I co-proposed experiments that later led as co-spokesperson and liaison, rejoices Montes Plaza.
Double Degree PhD program
Adrian Montes Plaza obtained a Bachelor's degree in Physics from the University of Granada in 2019 and a Master's degree in Nuclear Physics from the University of Seville in 2020. He began a Dual Doctorate between the University of Liverpool and the Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥ later in 2020. Between 2021 and 2023, he worked as a Doctoral Researcher at the Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥. He passed his doctoral examination from the University of Liverpool in December 2024.
- I am grateful for the opportunity of the Dual Doctorate program. It introduced me to international experts and facilities. It undoubtedly helped me grow personally and as a researcher, tells Montes Plaza.
The examination of M.Sc. Adrian Montes Plaza's doctoral dissertation "Direct measurement of three different deformations near the ground state in an atomic nucleus. The exotic neutron-deficient Pb-190 nucleus " will be held on 16.5.2025 at 12:00 in Main building, C4. The opponent is Professor David Jenkins (University of York, United Kingdom) and the custos is Senior Researcher Janne Pakarinen (Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥). The language of the dissertation is English.
The dissertation "Direct measurement of three different deformations near the ground state in an atomic nucleus. The exotic neutron-deficient Pb-190 nucleus" is available in the JYX publication archive:
Further information:
- Adrian Montes Plaza, adrian.a.montes-plaza@jyu.fi
