Total absorption

The Total Absorption γ-ray Spectroscopy technique allows for a precise determination of the β-decay strength free from the Pandemonium systematic error. Currently, a new-concept hybrid spectrometer, STARS, is under development within the framework of the (NA)2STARS project. STARS will be the first device in the world to combine the large γ efficiency typical of total absorption calorimeters with the excellent energy resolution and timing of LaBr3(Ce) crystals. This unique combination, along with increased segmentation, will enable unprecedented studies further away from nuclear stability. Two of the existing total absorption spectrometers developed at IFIC-Valencia, Rocinante and DTAS, will both be upgraded with LaBr3(Ce) modules. The upgrade of Rocinante is discussed here. Our first proposal with STARS has already been approved at GANIL: Experiment E891_23, which will be the pioneering measurement performed with the new spectrometer. The goal of E891_23 is to measure the β-decay properties of several proton-rich nuclei in the Cr-Zn region, which are of significant interest for both nuclear structure and nuclear astrophysics.