Investigation into the Low-Energy Structure of Ru Isotopes via \textit{G}-Factor Measurements

An experiment was performed to investigate the low-energy structure of the even-A $^{96-104}_{44}$Ru isotopes. The experiment utilised the transient field technique combined with Coulomb excitation in inverse kinematics to measure the $g$ factors of the first excited 2$_{1}^{+ }$states. The transient field was calibrated through measurements of the known $g$(2$_{1}^{+})$ in $^{102}$Ru and $^{98}$Mo. The experiment constituted the first ever measurement of the $g$(2$_{1}^{+})$ for $^{96}$Ru as well more accurate relative measurements of the $g$(2$_{1}^{+})$ for $^{98,100,104}$Ru. Preliminary analysis of the data taken for $^{96}$Ru indicates a value for the $g$(2$_{1}^{+})$ close to the collective limit $Z/A $suggesting that the two neutrons and six proton holes outside of the $N=Z$=50 closed shells contribute equally to the 2$_{1}^{+}$ state wave function. The technique used, results and theoretical interpretations will be presented.