Effects of rotation and valence nucleons in molecular α -chain nuclei
Abstract
Effects of rotation and valence nucleons in molecular linear α -chain nuclei are analyzed using a three-dimensional lattice cranking model based on covariant density functional theory. The structure of the mirror nuclei 16C and 16Ne is investigated as a function of rotational frequency. The valence nucleons, with respect to the 3 α linear chain core of 12C, at low frequency occupy the π molecular orbital. With increasing rotational frequency these nucleons transition from the π orbital to the σ molecular orbital, thus stabilizing the 3 α linear chain structure. It is predicted that the valence protons in 16Ne change occupation from the π to the σ molecular orbital at ℏ ω ≈1.3 MeV, a lower rotational frequency compared to ℏ ω ≈1.7 MeV for the valence neutrons in 16C. The same effects of valence protons are found in 20Mg, compared to the four valence neutrons in 20O. The model is also used to examine the effect of alignment of valence nucleons on the relative positions and size of the three α clusters in the mirror nuclei 16C and 16Ne.
- Publication:
-
Physical Review C
- Pub Date:
- February 2022
- DOI:
- 10.1103/PhysRevC.105.024322
- arXiv:
- arXiv:2111.13437
- Bibcode:
- 2022PhRvC.105b4322Z
- Keywords:
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- Nuclear Theory
- E-Print:
- 20 pages, 9 figures