Neutron Radioactivity in $^{\mathrm{26}}$O and Lifetime Analysis of Neutron-Rich Isotopes

Currently there is only one known isotope that is likely to exhibit two-neutron radioactivity. This unique occurrence is found when observing neutron-rich $^{\mathrm{26}}$O. This isotope of oxygen is particularly interesting because early experiments show it living significantly longer than nearby isotopes . In order to gain a better understanding of neutron radioactivity, the MoNA Collaboration is working on determining the lifetime of $^{\mathrm{26}}$O. To experimentally deduce the lifetime, the change in energy during the emission of neutrons from the $^{\mathrm{26}}$O nucleus is being measured. A $^{\mathrm{27}}$F beam was accelerated into a beryllium target, and a variety of interactions occurred. In the case of one-proton removal, $^{\mathrm{26}}$O was formed. Two neutrons are then emitted from $^{\mathrm{26}}$O, and the MoNA and LISA detectors are used to measure the velocity of the neutrons. This velocity is compared to the velocity of the fragment $^{\mathrm{24}}$O. The relative velocity can be used to find the lifetime of $^{\mathrm{26}}$O. Learning about this lifetime will provide valuable information about neutron-rich isotopes and give more insight into two-neutron radioactivity.