Precision experiments with exotic nuclei

Progress and modem developments of secondary nuclear beam facilities based on the in-flight and ISOL separation methods are outlined. Precision experiments with nuclear beams characterized by large emittances have been performed by using special ion-optical conditions in spectrometers. A new generation of experiments have been started with stored and cooled exotic nuclei at sub eV and at relativistic energies using the combination of an ISOL facility and an ion trap or the combination of an in-flight system with a storage and cooler ring, respectively. Both experimental scenarios are realized by ISOLDE and the ISOLTRAP at CERN and the fragment separator FRS in combination with the experimental storage ring ESR at GSI. The power and the potential of these devices are illustrated by direct mass and lifetime measurements.