Laser Spectroscopic Studies of Fission Products and Nobelium

Laser spectroscopy is a prominent tool in the study of nuclear ground and isomeric state properties. Being able to measure nuclear spins, magnetic dipole and electric quadrupole moments, and changes in mean-square charge radii, make it an effective probe of both single particle and collective phenomena. Topics of recent investigation have included: evolution of single particle levels and changing magicity in the vicinity of shell closures, emerging collectivity, establishing new isomeric states, and the first optical measurements of a transfermium element.