Beta-decay studies with the Total Absorption Gamma-ray Spectroscopy technique

The investigation of the structure of exotic nuclei is at the forefront of modern nuclear physics. $\beta$-decay spectroscopy experiments with implanted radioactive beams serve as a powerful tool for exploring such nuclei. The Total Absorption $\gamma$-ray Spectroscopy (TAGS) technique plays a crucial role as the most effective method for measuring the $\beta$-decay strength distribution free from the Pandemonium effect. This article presents two ongoing $\beta$-decay measurements using the TAGS technique. The first one is experiment IS707, recently carried out with the Lucrecia spectrometer at ISOLDE-CERN, aimed at studying nuclear shape in odd-\textit{A} mercury isotopes. The second one is experiment E891$\_$23, which will be performed in the near future at GANIL, focusing on several proton-rich nuclei in the Cr-Zn region, which are of significant interest for both nuclear structure and nuclear astrophysics. This experiment will, for the first time, utilize the new-concept hybrid spectrometer, STARS. Currently under development, STARS will offer a unique combination of the large $\gamma$ efficiency characteristic of total absorption calorimeters and the superior energy resolution and timing of LaBr$_{3}$(Ce) crystals, enabling unprecedented studies of exotic nuclei.