Nuclear structure studies at the proton drip line via proton radioactivity studies

Properties of nuclei beyond the proton drip line are studied via measurement of the spontaneous emission of protons from these exotic nuclei. Different components of the wave function of the proton emitter can be accessed by observation of fine structure in the proton spectrum. Fine structure has been observed in the proton radioactivity of 145Tm, 146Tm and 141Ho in measurements at the Holifield Radioactive Ion Beam Facility. These nuclei range over an interesting transition region going from nearly spherical to rather deformed. Detailed analysis of the rich fine structure spectrum of 146Tm is presented in terms of the particle-core vibration coupling model. Other models are discussed briefly.