Low-Energy Nuclear Structure of ^39,40,41S

Recent measurements have shown that S and Si nuclei in the proton-sd/neutron-fp shell exhibit collective behavior indicating some deformation near mid-shell. However, the N=28 shell closure has been found to remain intact for ^44S. We have recently performed experiments to study the low-energy structure of the S nuclei through the β decay of their P parents in order to better understand the structure in this region. Separated beams of ^39,40,41P were obtained through projectile fagmentation of a ^48Ca beam. Separated beams were obtained using the A1200 fragment separator and transported to a catcher wheel. The β decay of the stopped nuclei was observed using a pair of Ge detectors as well as plastic scintillators. Information on the decays of these nuclei into ^39,40,41S will be presented. For the case of ^40S, the low-energy structure is consistent with an anharmonic vibrator. A discussion of theoretical calculations relative to these nuclei will be presented.