Mass of astrophysically relevant 31Cl and the breakdown of the isobaric multiplet mass equation

Abstract

The mass of 31Cl has been measured with the JYFLTRAP double-Penning-trap mass spectrometer at the Ion Guide Isotope Separator On-Line (IGISOL) facility. The determined mass-excess value, −7034.7(34) keV, is 15 times more precise than in the Atomic Mass Evaluation 2012. The quadratic form of the isobaric multiplet mass equation for the T=3/2 quartet at A=31 fails (χ2n=11.6) and a nonzero cubic term, d=−3.5(11) keV, is obtained when the new mass value is adopted. 31Cl has been found to be less proton-bound, with a proton separation energy of Sp=264.6(34) keV. Energies for the excited states in 31Cl and the photodisintegration rate on 31Cl have been determined with significantly improved precision by using the new Sp value. The improved photodisintegration rate helps to constrain astrophysical conditions where 30S can act as a waiting point in the rapid proton capture process in type-I x-ray bursts.