NP pairing in N=Z nuclei : The $^{44}$Ti($^{3}$He,p) reaction

Neutron-proton pairing in N=Z nuclei is a subject of current interest in nuclear physics. Data from two-neutron transfer reactions using Ca and Ni isotopes are consistent with a picture of isovector pairing vibrations. However, it is still an open question whether the isoscalar component generates collective modes. The ($^{3}$He,p) reaction stands out as an ideal tool to study \textit{np }correlations and we started a program to study it in inverse kinematics using radioactive beams at the Argonne ATLAS facility. $^{44}$Ti (60y half-life) provides an excellent case that allows for a practical chemical separation and for better conditions to optimize the accelerator parameters. A pellet containing 100$\mu $ci of $^{44}$Ti was used in the Tandem ion source to deliver a 5 MeV/A $^{44}$Ti beam onto a $^{3}$He gas cell ($\sim $100$\mu $g/cm$^{2}$ thickness) placed in a scattering chamber in front of the FMA. A beam intensity of 10$^{6}$ /s was achieved during the four day run. Protons were detected in two Si ring detectors in coincidence with $^{46}$V recoils selected by the FMA. Details of the experiment and preliminary results will be discussed. - Supported by U.S. DOE under contracts DE-AC02-05CH11231 (LBNL) and DE-AC02-06CH11357 (ANL)