Recent Developments and Perspectives in Nuclear Structure by γ and Particle Spectroscopy

Advances in nuclear structures studies of neutron-rich systems are presented, focusing on experimental activities based on γ and particle spectroscopy—ideal probes of the multifaceted nature of the atomic nucleus. Emphasis is given to recent highlights obtained in world’s leading laboratories, in Europe and Japan, by large international collaborations in which the Nuclear Physics group of Milano University has played a key role. In particular, experiments are described taking advantage of both stable and radioactive ion beams, as well as intense neutron beams. They require the use of the most advanced detection setups, such as the European array AGATA, based on γ-ray tracking techniques, and also arrays of large size scintillators. Measurements of cross sections of thermonuclear fusion reactions at astrophysically relevant energies, performed by the LUNA collaboration, are also briefly discussed. Finally, research and developments of detectors based on novel scintillators materials are presented, being a significant part of the activity carried out at the Milano Physics Department.