Nuclear matrix elements from direct lifetime or cross-section measurements

The method of simultaneous lifetime and g factor measurements using a plunger device and the RDDS and TDRIV techniques is introduced. Results on lifetimes and hyperfine-interaction parameters for 2+1 states in 104-108Pd, 96,98,104Ru, and 92,94Zr, using a plunger device. Another method to obtain electromagnetic matrix elements is direct cross section measurements using NRF. The method is outlined, and some recent results on 76Se are shown.