Shell-model prediction for yttrium-91 beta decay (source code)

= Shell-model prediction for yttrium-91 beta decay

In a paired <nuclear shell model> with the post-28 orbital order $2p_{3/2},1f_{5/2},2p_{1/2}$, <proton> counts 32 and 38 fill $2p_{3/2}$ and $1f_{5/2}$, so the odd 39th <proton> occupies $2p_{1/2}$. With paired valence <neutrons> this gives a $1/2^-$ yttrium-91 ground-state prediction. The daughter has paired 40 <protons> and one <neutron> beyond the 50-neutron closure in $2d_{5/2}$, giving $5/2^+$. The inferred ground-state beta transition is therefore first-forbidden unique. This is a stated paired-shell model deduction; an endpoint diagram alone does not determine the <spin> assignment or an evaluated <isotope> <mass>.