Observation of beta-delayed neutron decay to excited 0+ states in the residual nucleus: The case 97Rb(βnγ)96Sr

Abstract Beta-delayed neutron emission from 97 Rb to excited 0 + states in 96 Sr has been observed. The experimental branching ratios ( P n i ) are compared to predictions from a statistical model. It is demonstrated that, considering the influence of the strength of β -decay preceding neutron emission, the ( P n i ) reflect the different structure of the two excited 0 + states, in agreement with conclusions drawn from the measurement of their lifetimes.