Angular distribution and linear polarization of the gamma rays from oriented 56Co nuclei

Measurements are reported on the beta-gamma and gamma-gamma coincident radiation observed in the decay of 56Co and on the angular distribution and linear polarization of the gamma rays emitted by oriented 56Co nuclei. Discrepancies between various proposed decay schemes have been removed by means of coincidence measurements (performed at room temperature). Experiments with oriented nuclei (using low temperature techniques) gave information about the multipole order of the gamma rays, the mixing ratio of two multipoles and the electric or magnetic character of the transitions. As a result, evidence is presented for a decay scheme of 56Co and for spin and parity assignments to the excited levels in 56Fe (see fig. 10). A possible theoretical interpretation of some of these levels is discussed. A review is given of the data available from other experiments.