The “Beta-Delayed Neutrons at RIKEN” project (BRIKEN): conquering the most exotic beta-delayed neutron-emitters

Among the main missions of modern radioactive isotope facilities is the exploration of properties of yet unknown isotopes on the neutron-rich side of the chart of nuclides. However, going more neutron-rich also means that the neutronseparation energy decreases until it reaches the dripline at Sn = 0 MeV. If the neutronseparation energy gets lower than the β- decay energywindow (Qβ value), a new decay mechanism can occur: the emission of neutronsafter β-decay. These “β- delayed neutron” (βn) emitters play a crucial role in nuclear structure, nuclear astrophysics, and for nuclear reactorapplications.