Charge radii of neutron-deficient 36K and 37K
Abstract
Background: The systematic trend in mean-square charge radii as a function of proton or neutron number exhibits a discontinuity at the nucleon-shell closures. While the established N =28 shell closure is evident in the charge radii of the isotopic chains of K through Mn, a similar signature of the N =20 shell closure is absent in the Ca region.
Purpose: The isotope shift between neutron-deficient 36K and 37K was determined to investigate the change of the mean-square charge radii across N =20 in the K isotopic chain. Methods: The D 1 atomic hyperfine spectra of 36K and 37K were measured using an optical pumping and subsequent β -decay asymmetry detection technique. Atomic rate equations were solved to fit the resonant line shape. The result was compared to Skyrme energy-density functional and shell-model calculations. Results: The isotope shift was obtained as δ ν37 ,36=-139 (4 ) (3 ) MHz. Using a re-evaluated isotope shift, δ ν39 ,37=-264 (2 ) (3 ) MHz, the isotope shift relative to 39K was determined to be δ ν39 ,36=-403 (5 ) (4 ) MHz. The differential mean-square charge radius was then deduced as δ <r2>39 ,36=-0.16 (5 ) (8 ) fm2 . The Skyrme energy-density functional and shell-model calculations overpredict the experimental values below N =20 and underpredict them above N =20 , and their agreement is marginal. Conclusions: The absence of the shell-closure signature at N =20 in the K isotopic chain is understood as a balance between the monopole and the quadrupole proton-core polarizations below and above N =20 , respectively.- Publication:
-
Physical Review C
- Pub Date:
- July 2015
- DOI:
- Bibcode:
- 2015PhRvC..92a4305R
- Keywords:
-
- 21.10.Ft;
- 21.60.-n;
- 27.30.+t;
- 32.80.Xx;
- Charge distribution;
- Nuclear structure models and methods;
- 20<
- =A<
- =38;
- Level crossing and optical pumping