Spectroscopy of Mg 33 with knockout reactions

The structure of $^{33}\mathrm{Mg}$ was investigated by means of two knockout reactions, one-neutron removal from $^{34}\mathrm{Mg}$ and one-proton removal from $^{34}\mathrm{Al}$. Using comparative analysis of the population of observed excited states in the residual $^{33}\mathrm{Mg}$, the nature of these states can be deciphered. In addition, the long-standing controversy about the parity of the $^{33}\mathrm{Mg}$ ground state is resolved using momentum distribution analysis, showing a clear signature for negative parity. Partial cross section measurements are compared with the results of eikonal reaction theory combined with large-scale shell model calculations of this complex nucleus located in the island of inversion, where configuration mixing plays a major role.