Nuclear structure and astrophysics studies at RIKEN

At the RIKEN Accelerator Research Facility, various nuclear structure and astrophysics studies have been made using fast exotic beams. Most of the studies are performed in the so-called reversed kinematics paradigm by measuring the deexcitation γγ rays or particle decays of unstable nuclei from their excited levels. Several examples of such studies are presented. The RIKEN RI Beam Factory, which will have its first beam ready by the end of 2006, will greatly extend the region of study to more exotic and heavier nuclei.