Structure of isobaric analog states in 91 Nb populated by the 90 Zr(α, t) reaction

Decay via proton emission of isobaric analog states (IAS’s) in 91 Nb was studied using the 90 Zr(α, t) reaction at E�=180 MeV. This study provides information about the damping mechanism of these states. Decay to the ground state and low-lying phonon states in 90 Zr was observed. The experimental data are compared with theoretical predictions wherein the IAS ‘single-particle’ proton escape widths are calculated in a continuum RPA approach. The branching ratios for decay to the phonon states are explained using a simple model.