Beta counting system for fast fragmentation beams

A new beta counting system has been developed at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory to study the beta decay of exotic nuclei produced by fast fragmentation. This system uses a double-sided silicon strip detector to detect both fragment implants and their subsequent beta decays; these events are correlated on a pixel-by-pixel basis, providing a direct measurement of the decay time with specific particle identification information regarding the parent nucleus. The experimental capabilities of this system are described, and future plans discussed.