Beta-decay studies for applied and basic nuclear physics

Abstract In this review we will present the results of recent $$\beta $$ ? -decay studies using total absorption technique that cover topics interest for applications, nuclear structure and astrophysics. The decays studied were selected primarily because they have a large impact on prediction (a) decay heat in reactors, important safety future reactors (b) reactor electron anti-neutrino spectrum, particle/nuclear physics monitoring. For these was chosen, since it is only method allows one to obtain probabilities free from systematic error called Pandemonium effect. based detection $$\gamma ? cascades follow initial decay. reason requires use calorimeters with very high efficiency. measurements presented discussed here performed mainly at IGISOL facility University Jyväskylä (Finland) isotopically pure beams provided by JYFLTRAP Penning trap. Examples are show our nuclei had predictions both spectrum reactors. Some cases involve -delayed neutron emission thus can study competition between - neutron-emission states above separation energy. -to-neutron ratios be used constrain capture (n, ) cross sections unstable information obtained also test model half-lives Pn values astrophysical network calculations. These comparisons provide insights into aspects particular regions chart.