Study of $^{68}$Co low-energy structure via $\beta$ decay*

The fragility of the $N=40$ subshell closure in neutron-rich nuclei is highlighted by the sudden onset of collectivity as protons are removed from the $\pi f_{7/2}$ single-particle state and has been attributed to shape coexistence between spherical and prolate-deformed configurations. A recent study of $^{68}$Co at NSCL concluded that the lowest-energy populated state was attributed to a deformed configuration, further extending the presence of shape coexistence to this nucleus. This work reports on $^{68}$Co from a $\beta$-decay experiment at NSCL utilizing the $\beta$ decay from $^{68}$Fe to populate low-spin states of $^{68}$Co. Coupling large statistics and half-life measurement capabilities, an expanded description of $^{68}$Co will be presented.