Beta delayed neutron emission of $N=84$ $^{132}$Cd

M. Madurga, Z. Y. Xu, R. Grzywacz, M. Mumpower

Submitted submitted (2026)

Using the time-of-flight technique, we measured the beta-delayed neutron emission of 132Cd. From our large-scale shell model (LSSM) calculation using the N3LO interaction [Z.Y. Xu et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 131, 022501 (2023)], we suggest the decay is dominated by the transformation of a neutron in the g7/2 orbital, deep below the Fermi surface, into a proton in the g9/2 orbital. We compare the beta-decay half-lives and neutron branching ratios of nuclei with Z<50 and N≥82 obtained with our LSSM with those of leading "global" models such as Finite-Range Droplet Model (FRDM). Our calculations match known half-lives and neutron branching ratios well and suggest that current leading models overestimate the yet-to-be-measured half-lives. Our model, backed by the 132Cd decay data presented here, offers robust predictive power for nuclei of astrophysical interest such as r-process waiting points.