实验探索原子核中手征与空间反射对称性的联立自发破缺

原子核的手征对称性和空间反射对称性研究是近来原子核结构研究的前沿热点问题,吸引了大量的实验和理论研究。通过在束伽玛谱学的实验方法,在原子核78Br中发现了两对宇称相反的手征双重带,以及它们之间表征八极关联的电偶极跃迁。这是首次在原子核中发现了八极关联的多重手征带,给出了原子核存在手征对称性和空间反射对称性联立自发破缺的实验证据。Spontaneous symmetry breaking is a fundamental concept in nature. Chiral Symmetry Breaking and reflection-asymmetry in nuclei has been a subject of intensive experimental and theoretical investigation. Two pairs of positive-and negative-parity doublet bands together with eight strong electric dipole transitions linking their yrast positive-and negative-parity bands have been identified in 78Br by means of in-beam gamma-ray spectroscopy techniques. These four rotational bands are suggested as multiple chiral doublet bands with octupole correlations. This observation indicates that nuclear chirality can be robust against the octupole correlations. It is of highly scientific interest to search for the chirality-parity quartet bands in nucleus with both stable triaxial and octupole deformations.