Fast timing: Lifetime measurements with LaBr3 scintillators

In order to perform half-life measurements at Alto, we developed a fast-timing setup using fast scintillators : LaBr3. The main components of our setup and their characteristics (timing properties) are presented. The resulting time resolution, obtained after optimization, and measured off-line with radioactive sources is discussed. This set-up was tested on-line by measuring using the slope method half-lives of 137-139Cs levels fed by the β- decay of 137-139Xe. The neutron-rich Xe nuclei were produced by 238U photofission using, at low intensity, the electron beam and the line of the future facility ALTO. Our results show the ability of such a fast-timing system to measure half-lives lower than the total time resolution. Off-line and on-line results are discussed.Fil: Deloncle, I.. Université Paris Sud; Francia. Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique; FranciaFil: Roussière, B.. Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique; Francia. Université Paris Sud; FranciaFil: Cardona, Maria Angelica. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Comision Nacional de Energia Atomica. Gerencia D/area Invest y Aplicaciones No Nucleares. Gerencia Fisica (cac). Departamento de Física de la Materia Condensada.; ArgentinaFil: Hojman, Daniel Leonardo. Comision Nacional de Energia Atomica. Gerencia D/area Invest y Aplicaciones No Nucleares. Gerencia Fisica (cac). Departamento de Física de la Materia Condensada.; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Kiener, J.. Université Paris Sud; Francia. Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique; FranciaFil: Petkov, P.. Institue of Nuclear Research and Nuclear Energy; BulgariaFil: Tonev, D.. Institue of Nuclear Research and Nuclear Energy; BulgariaFil: Venkova, Ts.. Institue of Nuclear Research and Nuclear Energy; Bulgari