Investigation of the properties of nuclei with extreme neutron excess in the vicinity of neutron magic numbers

Properties of even-even nuclei with extreme neutron excess in the vicinity of neutron magic numbers up to and beyond the neutron drip line (NDL) are calculated by the Hartree-Fock (HF) method using Skyrme forces (Ska, SkM*, Sly4, SkI2, SkP) with allowance for axial deformation and BCS-approximation pairing. It is shown that chains of isotones with the neutron numbers N = 32, 58, 82, 126, 184, and 258 beyond the NDL form peninsulas of nuclei stable with respect to emission of one neutron, and occasionally peninsulas of nuclei stable with respect to the emission of two neutrons. The length of these peninsulas in (N, Z) space depends on the choice of the Skyrme forces, while their locations are at the same N = 32, 58, 82, 126, 184, and 258 and do not depend on the choice of forces. The investigated isotones restore stability beyond the NDL due to the complete filling of subshells with high angular momentum and to the intrusion of corresponding neutron levels in the region of discrete bound states. The stability of the numerical solution to the HF equations for nuclei belonging to the peninsulas of stability is analyzed.     

Properties of Zr isotopes near the neutron drip line and beyond it

The properties of neutron-rich Zr isotopes up to the neutron drip line and beyond it have been investigated on the basis of the Hartree-Fock method with the Skyrme forces (Ska, Sly4), taking into account the deformation. By the example of chains of Zr isotopes, good agreement is shown for the two-neutron separation energies and mean-square radii with the known results of Hartree-Fock-Bogolyubov calculations with the Sly4 forces. For the extremely neutron-rich Zr isotopes, states with very large deformation parameters (β ≈ 0.4?0.45) of neutron and proton density distributions can be realized. Beyond the neutron drip line with respect to emission of two neutrons, the existence of ^150,152Zr isotopes, which are stable with respect to one-neutron emission, is predicted.     

Investigating the neutron and proton density distributions in extremely neutron-rich nuclei

Manifestations of the neutron halo in extremely neutron-rich nuclei are investigated by the Hartree-Fock method using the Skyrme forces (SkM*, Ska, Sly4, SkI2) with allowance for axial deformation. The investigated nuclei, which lie beyond the theoretical neutron drip line (NDL), form peninsulas of nuclei stable with respect to one-neutron emission and belong to chains of isotones with the neutron number N = 32, 58, 82, 126, 184, and 258.     

Investigating the neutron stability of neutron-rich O,Ar, Kr,and Rn isotopes

Properties of extremely neutron-rich even-even O, Ar, Kr, and Rn isotopes in the ground state are calculated by the Hartree-Fock method using Skyrme forces with allowance for axial deformation of the density distribution. It is shown that beyond the familiar two-neutron drip line there can be regions (islands) of nuclei stable with respect to the emission of one or two neutrons. The stability recovery mechanism is described in consideration of the deformation effect. Certain isotopes are compared to calculations performed by the Hartree-Fock-Bogolyubov method, and ^40,42O is compared to calculations performed within the relativistic Hartree-Bogolyubov theory.     

Peninsula of neutron stability of nuclei in the neighborhood of neutron magic number N = 126

The properties of the ground state of even-even nuclei with extreme neutron excess that are remote from the known neutron drip line (NDL) are calculated. The calculations are based on the Hartree-Fock method with Skyrme forces SkM*, SkI2, Sly4, Ska) with allowance for axial deformation and the BCS pairing approximation. It is shown that the isotone chain at the neutron number N = 126 beyond the NDL forms a peninsula of nuclei that are stable with respect to the emission of one neutron (PNS). The neutron and proton density distributions of the PNS nuclei have spherical symmetry. A mechanism for restoring the stability of nuclei beyond the NDL is discussed. The obtained results are compared with those from Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov calculations for long isotope chains of Zr and Pd up to the NDL.     

Neutron Drip Line for Nuclei in the Vicinity of the Neutron Magic Number N = 184

Ground-state properties of even-even nuclei were calculated over a broad region of mass numbers, including nuclei that contain a neutron excess in the vicinity of the neutron drip line. The calculation of the properties of such nuclei relied on the method of the relativistic and the nonrelativistic mean field and took into account the axial deformation of nuclei. Particular attention was given to nuclei beyond the theoretical neutron drip line, which form a peninsula of nuclei in the (N, Z) space at N = 184 that are stable against the emission of one or two neutrons.

     

Properties of lead isotopes in the vicinity of the neutron drip line

On the basis of the Hartree-Fock method with Skyrme forces of the Ska, SkM*, and Sly4 type, the position of the neutron drip line and the properties of neutron-rich lead isotopes are studied with allowance for deformations. It is shown that, in extremely neutron-rich nuclei, the neutron and proton density distributions are characterized by an anomalously large deformation parameter of β ～ 0.6. Also, nuclei of superdeformed lead isotopes have anomalously large root-mean-square radii. The existence of the isotopes ^266–288Pb, which are stable to the emission of one neutron, is predicted.     

Proton magic even-even isotopes and giant halos of Ca isotopes with relativistic continuum Hartree-Bogoliubov theory

We study the proton magic O, Ca, Ni, Zr, Sn, and Pb isotope chains from the proton drip line to the neutron drip line with the relativistic continuum Hartree-Bogoliubov (RCHB) theory. Particulary, we study in detail the properties of even-even Ca isotopes due to the appearance of giant halos in neutron rich Ca nuclei near the neutron drip line. The RCHB theory is able to reproduce the experimental binding energiesE _b and two neutron separation energiesS _2n very well. The predicted neutron drip line nuclei are²⁸O,⁷²Ca,⁹⁸Ni,¹³⁶Zr,¹⁷⁶Sn, and²⁶⁶Pb. Halo and giant halo properties predicted in Ca isotopes withA>60 are investigated in detail through analysis of two neutron separation energies, nucleon density distributions, single particle energy levels, and the occupation probabilities of energy levels including continuum states. The spin-orbit splitting and the diffuseness of nuclear potential in these Ca isotopes, as well as the neighboring lighter isotopes in the drip line Ca region and find certain possibilities of giant halo nuclei in the Ne−Na−Mg drip line nuclei are also studied.     

The peninsula of neutron nuclear stability in the vicinity of N = 258

The properties of extremely neutron-excessive nuclei with Z ?? 70, including the region of transuranium elements, are calculated beyond the previously theoretically known neutron drip line (NDL). The calculations are based on the Hartree-Fock approach using Skyrme forces (SkM*, SkI2, SLy4, Ska) with allowance for axial deformation and pairings in the BCS approximation. It is shown that the series of isotones with neutron number N = 258 outside of 2n NDL forms a peninsula of stable nuclei (PSN) with respect to the emission of one neutron. For SkM* forces, a PSN is formed by ³⁴⁴Rn, ³⁴⁶Ra, ³⁴⁸Th, and ³⁵⁰U nuclides.     

Light nuclei near neutron and proton drip lines in relativistic mean-field theory

We have made a detailed study of the ground-state properties of nuclei in the light-mass region with atomic numbers Z = 10–22 in the framework of the relativistic mean-field (RMF) theory. The nonlinear σω model with scalar self-interaction has been employed. The RMF calculations have been performed in an axially deformed configuration using the force NL-SH. We have considered nuclei about the stability line as well as those close to proton and neutron drip lines. It is shown that the RMF results provide good agreement with the available empirical data. The RMF predictions also show reasonably good agreement with those of the mass models. It is observed that nuclei in this mass region are found to possess strong deformations and exhibit shape changes all along the isotopic chains. The phenomenon of shape coexistence is found to persist near the stability line as well as near the drip lines. It is shown that the magic number N = 28 is quenched strongly, thus enabling the corresponding nuclei to assume strong deformations. Nuclei near the neutron and proton drip lines in this region are also shown to be strongly deformed.     

Proton radioactivity — spherical and deformed

The proton drip line defines one of the fundamental limits to nuclear stability. Nuclei lying beyond this line are energetically unbound to the emission of a constituent proton from their ground states. For near-spherical nuclei in the region of the drip line between Z=69 (Tm) and Z=81 (T1), proton decay transition rates have been shown to be well reproduced by WKB calculations using spectroscopic factors derived from a low-seniority shell model calculation [2]. Another approach using spectroscopic factors obtained from the independent quasiparticle approximation has also proved successful in this region [3]. These interpretations have allowed the extraction of nuclear structure information from nuclei well beyond the proton drip line.     

Prompt neutron emission spectra and multiplicities in the thermal neutron induced fission of235U

The emission spectra of prompt fission neutrons from mass and kinetic energy selected fission fragments have been measured in²³⁵U(n _th,f). Neutron energies were determined from the measurement of the neutron time of flight using a NE213 scintillation detector. The fragment energies were measured by a pair of surface barrier detectors in one set of measurements and by a back-to-back gridded ionization chamber in the second set of measurements. The data were analysed event by event to deduce neutron energy in the rest frame of the emitting fragment for the determination of neutron emission spectra and multiplicities as a function of the fragment mass and total kinetic energy. The results are compared with statistical model calculations using shell and excitation energy dependent level density formulations to deduce the level density parameters of the neutron rich fragment nuclei over a large range of fragment masses.     

Fission decay properties of ultra neutron-rich uranium isotopes

The fission decay of highly neutron-rich uranium isotopes is investigated which shows interesting new features in the barrier properties and neutron emission characteristics in the fission process. ²³³U and ²³⁵U are the nuclei in the actinide region in the beta stability valley which are thermally fissile and have been mainly used in reactors for power generation. The possibility of occurrence of thermally fissile members in the chain of neutron-rich uranium isotopes is examined here. The neutron number N = 162 or 164 has been predicted to be magic in numerous theoretical studies carried out over the years. The series of uranium isotopes around it with N = 154–172 are identified to be thermally fissile on the basis of the fission barrier and neutron separation energy systematics; a manifestation of the close shell nature of N = 162 (or 164). We consider here the thermal neutron fission of a typical representative ²⁴⁹U nucleus in the highly neutron-rich region. Semiempirical study of fission barrier height and width shows that ²⁵⁰U nucleus is stable against spontaneous fission due to increase in barrier width arising out of excess neutrons. On the basis of the calculation of the probability of fragment mass yields and the microscopic study in relativistic mean field theory, this nucleus is shown to undergo exotic decay mode of thermal neutron fission (multi-fragmentation fission) whereby a number of prompt scission neutrons are expected to be simultaneously released along with the two heavy fission fragments. Such properties will have important implications in stellar evolution involving r-process nucleosynthesis.      

Isospin dependence of proton and neutron radii within relativistic mean field theory

The proton and neutron radii of even-even β-stable nuclei with A ⩾ 40 and a few chains of isotopes with Z = 50, 56, 82, 94 protons and isotones with N = 50, 82, 126 neutrons are analyzed. The average isospin dependence of the radii evaluated within the relativistic mean field theory is studied. A simple, phenomenological formula for neutron radii is proposed.     

Single-particle neutron characteristics of Cd isotopes with N of 50 to 82

Experimental data on single-particle neutron energies of Cd isotopes are analyzed within a dispersive optical model. Parameters of the potential are extrapolated to the region of unstable isotopes with a neutron excess. The evolution of calculated single-particle spectra and occupation probabilities of single-particle orbits corresponds to formation of magic features in Cd isotopes with N = 50, 82. The results from calculations agree with the concept that the ¹⁷⁴Cd isotope with N = 126 forms the end of the peninsula at the neutron drip line.     

Anomalies in orientation interaction of slow neutrons with nuclei and the problem of neutron molecule existence

Based on the Dirac equation, the features of long-range electromagnetic orientational interaction of slow neutrons with even-even and even-odd nuclei are considered. This interaction is controlled by a narrow potential barrier arranged beyond the nucleus. The barrier height is U _tot = 20–40 eV and depends on Z, A, and the nucleus magnetic moment μ_nucl. The barrier formation is associated with the ponderomotive nonlinear interaction of the anomalous neutron moment with the nucleus electric field. The barrier transparency for thermal neutrons is D(E) ≈ 0.8–0.95. For cold neutrons, the barrier transparency and their reaction cross sections with nuclei sharply decrease and, at E → 0, their cross sections tend toward zero. It was shown that the combined effect of the magnetic dipole-dipole and ponderomotive interaction of the neutron and even-odd nucleus results in the formation of removed symmetrically positioned potential wells for neutrons beyond the nucleus. The presence of these wells results in the possible existence of short-lived or virtual nucleus-neutron molecules and the “neutron halo” effect beyond the nucleus.     

Impact of the phonon coupling on the radiative neutron capture

Inclusion of the coupling of quasiparticle degrees of freedom with phonon degrees is a natural extention of the standard QRPA approach. The paper presents the quantitative impact of this phonon coupling on the dipole strength and radiative neutron capture for the stable ¹²⁴Sn and very exotic ¹⁵⁰Sn isotopes, as an illustration, using the self-consistent version of the Extended Theory of Finite Fermi Systems. It was found that the phonon contribution to the pygmy-dipole resonance and radiative neutron capture cross section is increased with the (N − Z) difference growth. The results show that the self-consistent nuclear structure calculations are important for unstable nuclei, where phenomenological approaches do not work.     

β-delayed neutron decay of drip line nuclei 11Li and 14Be

Experimental studies of β-decay measurements of the neutron drip line nuclei ¹¹Li and ¹⁴Be are presented. β- decay schemes of these nuclei are determined by measuring β-rays, delayed neutrons and γ-rays in triple coincidence. The decay schemes of both ¹¹Li and ¹⁴Be associated with single neutron emission are unambiguously determined. New levels in their daughter nuclei, ¹¹Be and ¹⁴B, are found. In addition, the deduced level scheme of 14B indicates the lowering of 2s _1/2 single neutron orbital with respect to 1p _1/2 orbital in the N=9 isotones. Such behavior is known to exist in N=7.     

传统中子幻数稳定性的研究

在考虑了BCS理论的相对论平均场模型框架内,通过系统研究N=8,20,28,50,82和126六条同中子素链中每个元素费米面附近的单粒子能级间隔、粒子数占有概率比以及原子核体系的粒子数偏离随质子数的变化规律,讨论了传统中子幻数的壳结构在从中子滴线区到质子滴线区整个核谱上的稳定性,预言只有在轻核的丰中子区域,传统的中子幻数效应才可能消失,并把计算结果和最近的文献报道作了比较. 关键词： 相对论平均场模型 能级间隔 占有概率 粒子数偏离