Alpha Decay as a Probe of the Structure of Neutron-deficient Nuclei Around Z =82

In this contribution I would like to review briefly our recent studies on nuclear α formation probabilities in heavy nuclei and their indication on the underlying structure of the nuclei involved. In particular, I will show that the empirical α-formation probabilities, which can be extracted from experimental half-lives, exhibit a rather smooth function with changing proton or neutron numbers. This allows us to distinguish the role played by pairing collectivity in the clustering process. The sudden hindrance of the clustering of the nucleons around the N = 126 shell closure is due to the fact that the configuration space does not allow a proper manifestation of the pairing collectivity. The influence of the Z = 82 shell closure on the α formation properties will also be discussed. Moreover, we have evaluated the α-decay fine structure to excited 0+ states in Hg and Rn isotopes as well as the α-decay from the excited 0+ states in the mother nucleus. It is thus found that the α decay is sensitive to the mixture of configurations corresponding to different nuclear shapes.     

Shape coexistence and α-decay chains of 293Lv

Two recently observed ²⁹³Lv (Z = 116) α-decay chains [Eur. Phys. J. A 48, 62 (2012)] are investigated in the framework of covariant density functional theory with PC-PK1, where the pairing correlations are treated by the Bardeen–Cooper–Schrieffer method with a density-independent zerorange force. From the calculated potential energy curves, it is found that two minima always occur, with one having an almost spherical shape and the other exhibiting a large deformed prolate shape. Originating from the ground state and the shape-isomeric state of ²⁹³Lv, the two observed α-decay chains are constructed and the calculated Q_αvalues are found to be in good agreement with the data.     

Quasiparticle structure of superheavy nuclei in α-decay chains of ~(285)Fl and ~(291,293)Lv

Two mean-field potentials, Woods-Saxon and Skyrme based potentials, are used to calculate the energies of low-lying one-quasiparticle states. The spectra of the low-lying states and the α-decay spectra of nuclei belonging to the α-decay chains of ~(285)Fl and ~(291,293)Lv are calculated and compared with the available experimental data. Dependence of the splitting of the pseudospin doublets and of the energies of the unique parity neutron one-quasiparticle states on the mean field potential are discussed. As shown, the α-decay spectra could be different in the α-decay chain and at the direct production of the nucleus in a fusion reaction.     

缺中子Np新核素的α衰变研究

合成远离稳定线的新核素、探索原子核存在的极限是目前核物理研究的重要课题。在中子壳N=126的最丰质子一侧,极端缺中子的超铀核素处于质子滴线和中子壳的交叉位置,合成和研究该核区核素对研究N=126壳结构的演化性质具有重要意义。基于兰州重离子加速器上的充气反冲核谱仪装置(SHANS),利用36,40Ar+185,187Re熔合蒸发反应,合成了极缺中子的219,220,223,224Np新核素,在中子壳N=126附近首次建立了Np同位素链的$ \alpha$衰变系统性,获得了N=126壳效应在Np同位素链中依然存在的实验证据。依据单质子分离能的系统性分析,确定了Np同位素链中质子滴线的位置,219Np也成为目前已知的最重的质子滴线外核素。此外,基于实验测量的反应截面,并与理论模型的计算结果相比较,讨论了进一步合成该核区其它新核素218,221,222Np的可行性。     

Alpha Decay of the Neutron-deficient Isotopes 215,216U

The most neutron-deficient isotopes 215;216U were produced in the complete-fusion reaction 180W(40Ar, 4-5n)215,216U. Evaporation residues recoiled from the target were separated in-flight from the primary beam by the gas-filled recoil separator SHANS and subsequently identified on the basis of correlated -decay chains. Two -decaying states were identified in 216U, one for the ground state and the other for the isomeric state with 8+(h9=2f7=2) configuration. The -decay properties for 215;216U and the systematics of 8+ isomeric state in N =124,126 isotones were investigated.     

Isospin and Mixed Symmetry Excitations in 60—66Zn Isotopes

The level structure of ^60—66Zn isotopes is studied within the framework of interacting boson model-3 (IBM-3). The mixed symmetry states are investigated in these nuclei by analyzing the wave functions. The isospin excitation states are identified for ⁶⁰Zn (N=Z) nucleus. The calculated energy levels and transition probabilities are compared with available experimental data. The results obtained and the values of parameters used in this calculation indicated that the Zn isotopes are in the transition from vibrational to γ-unstable nuclei.     

Reactions of40Ar with233U,235U,and238U at the barrier

Production cross sections for target-like transfer products in reactions of⁴⁰Ar with^233,235,238U at the barrier were determined using radiochemical techniques. The heaviest products detected are isotopes of californium (Z=98). In addition to the quasi-elastic component of the isotopic distributions observed in the vicinity of uranium, there are also relaxed contributions throughout the entire region. The peak positions of the isotope distributions of this component for fixed atomic number, after the transfer of > 3 charges, approach closely the minimum of the potential energy surfaces (PES). The experimental results thus indicate the cold formation of the reaction products. A search for long-lived heavy actinides produced, by fusion-evaporation, via isotopes of element 110 and their subsequent decay through α-decay chains, remained unsuccessful at a cross section limit of 21 pb.     

α particle preformation and shell effect for heavy and superheavy nuclei

The α particle preformation factor is extracted within a generalized liquid drop model for Z = 84-92 isotopes and N = 126,128,152,162,176,184 isotones.The calculated results show clearly that the shell effects play a key role in α particle preformation.The closer the proton and neutron numbers are to the magic numbers,the more difficult the formation of the α cluster inside the mother nucleus is.The preformation factors of the isotopes reflect that N = 126 is a magic number for Po,Rn,Ra,and Th isotopes,but for U isotopes the weakening of the influence of the N =126 shell closure is evident.The trend of the factors for N = 126 and N = 128 isotones also support this conclusion.We extend the calculations for N = 152,162,176,184 isotones to explore the magic numbers for heavy and superheavy nuclei,which are probably present near Z = 108 to N = 152,162 isotones and Z = 116 to N = 176,184 isotones.The results also show that another subshell closure may exist after Z = 124 in the superheavy nuclei.This is useful for future experiments.     

A self-consistent mean-field study of Z = 120 nuclei and α-decay chains of 292,298,299,300,304120 isotopes

A self-consistent mean-field investigation is done to test the model accuracy, model dependence, and the dependence on different model parameters in the study of superheavy nuclei. This is done within the self-consistent mean-field models-the Skyrme-Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov (HFB), and the Relativistic-Hartree-Bogoliubov (RHB) with density-dependent couplings. A systematic comparison is made with experimental data, as well as with the macro-microscopic Finite Range Droplet Model(FRDM). The bulk ground state properties and the microscopic structure of Z=120 superheavy nuclei are investigated. Further investigation is made of α-decay series for the five isotopes ^{292,298,299,300,304}120 of Z=120 nuclei. A spontaneous fission investigation is done to account the number of α-decay before spontaneous fission starts. The experimental data available for α-decay energies and half-lives are produced reasonably. The RHB model with NL3* parameter set, and with ImSahu and UNIV2 formula to calculate the α-decay half-lives is found to be the best suited for accurately predicting the ground state properties and the α-decay half-lives of the superheavy nuclei.     

Shell model calculations for the allowed Gamow-Teller β-decays of light nuclei

The allowed Gamow-Teller β-decay information of Li,Be,B,C,and N isotopes under the frame work of nuclear shell model is calculated herein.Theoretical results of Q values,half-lives,excitation energies,log ft values,branching fractions,and β-delayed proton/neutron emission probabilities are tabulated and compared with experimental data.The deviations from the observations are also analyzed.The 11Be nucleus is well known for its anomaly ground state Jπ=1/2+.Thus,we compared the theoretical energy levels with the experimental data and the agreements for low excitation states are consistent.The quenching factor is also evaluated and discussed.     

Low-lying states and isospin excitation in the Ge isotopes

The level structure of 64-70Ge isotopes has been studied within the framework of the interacting boson model-3 (IBM-3). The symmetry character in the proton and neutron degrees of freedom of the energy levels has been investigated. The isospin excitation states (T>Tz) have been assigned for the 64Ge (N=Z) nucleus. Some intruder states in these nuclei have been suggested. The calculated energy levels and transition probabilities are in good agreement with recent experimental data. The study indicates that the Ge isotopes are in transition from γ-unstable to vibrational.     

Possible candidate nuclei for chirality-parity quartet bands

The potential energy surfaces of the even-even~(68-92)Se,~(112-150)Ba,and~(208-230)Ra isotopes are calculated using the macroscopic-microscopic method in a multidimensional space{α_(λ,μ)}including quadrupole(λ=2,μ=0,2)and octupole(λ=3,μ=0,1,2,3)degrees of freedom.The calculated results show that the even-even isotopes~(92)Se,~(112,114,144-150)Ba and~(220-228)Ra can exhibit the coexistence of triaxial and octupole deformations,thereby leading to simultaneous chiral and reflected symmetry breaking.Therefore,chirality-parity quartet bands are expected in these and their neighboring odd-A/odd-odd nuclei.     

Evolution of N=28 shell closure in relativistic continuum Hartree-Bogoliubov theory

The N = 28 shell gap in sulfur, argon, calcium and titanium isotopes is investigated in the framework of relativistic continuum Hartree-Bogoliubov(RCHB) theory. The evolutions of neutron shell gap, separation energy,single particle energy and pairing energy are analyzed, and it is found that the N = 28 shell gap is quenched in sulfur isotopes but persists in argon, calcium and titanium isotopes. The evolution of the N = 28 shell gap in the N = 28 isotonic chain is discussed, and the erosion of the N = 28 shell gap is understood with the evolution of potential with proton number.     

β-decay studies of the neutron-rich 18,21N isotopes

The β-decay studies of neutron-rich ^18,21N isotopes have been performed using β-n, β-γ, and β-n-γ coincidence methods. The ^18,21N ions were produced by the fragmentation of the ²²Ne and ²⁶Mg beams, respectively, on a thick beryllium target. The time of flight of the emitted neutrons following the β-decay of ^18,21N was measured by a neutron detector system with wide energy detection range and low-energy detection threshold. In addition, several clover germanium detectors were used to detect the β-delayed γ-rays. The half-lives of the β-decays of ¹⁸N and ²¹N were determined to be (619±2) ms and (82.9±7.5) ms, respectively. Several new β-delayed neutron groups were observed with a total branching ratio of (6.98±1.46)% and (90.5±4.2)% for ¹⁸N and ²¹N, respectively. The level schemes of ¹⁸O and ²¹O were deduced. The experimental Gamow-Teller β-decay strengths of ¹⁸N and ²¹N to these levels were compared with the shell model calculations.     

基于结团形成模型系统研究Z=82,N=126闭壳附近原子核的α衰变

基于结团形成模型（cluster-formation model,CFM）系统地研究了质子数Z=82,中子数N=126闭壳附近的α衰变母核的α衰变预形成因子P_α。计算结果表明:基于结团形成模型计算得到的P_α线性地依赖于价质子（空穴）N_p和价中子（空穴）N_n的乘积。这与前期工作[SUN X D,et al.Phys Rev C,2016, 94 （2）:024338;DENG J G,et al.Phys Rev C,2017, 96 （2）:024318]得到的结论是一致的,其中,P_α是唯象的且模型依赖的,从α衰变半衰期的理论值和实验值的比值中提取。结合前期工作可以得到这样的结论:对于Z=82,N=126闭壳附近的α衰变母核,其P_α与N_pN_n呈线性关系,且价质子-价中子相互作用在α结团预形成中起了很重要的作用。In the present work, the α decay preformation factors P_α are systematically studied within the cluster-formation model (CFM) for nuclei around Z=82, N=126 closed shells. The calculations show that the P_α calculated by CFM is linearly dependent on the product of valance protons (holes) and valance neutrons (holes) N_p N_n. It is consistent with our previous works[SUN X D, et al. Phys Rev C, 2016, 94 (2):024338; DENG J G, et al. Phys Rev C, 2017, 96 (2):024318], which P_α are model-dependent and extracted from the ratios of calculated α decay half-lives to experimental data. Combining with our previous works, we confirm that the P_α is linearly dependent on the N_pN_n for nuclei around Z=82, N=126 shell closures. In addition, the valance proton-neutron interaction plays a key role in the α preformation.     

Shape coexistence around the Z=82 closed shell probed by α-decay

Shape coexistence around the Z=82 closed proton shell, probed via the fine structure in the α-decay of even–even nuclei, is discussed. The power of α-decay studies is demonstrated by presenting the results from a number of decay experiments of Rn isotopes performed at ISOLDE. The total body of experimental evidence on α-decay of even–even nuclei in the Pb region is used to illuminate, through the α-decay reduced widths of the ground state to ground state transitions and through the hindrance factors of the fine structure, the role of multi-particle multi-hole proton excitations across the Z=82 shell. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Shape Transition and Triaxial Interaction Effect in the Structure of 152-166Dy Isotopes

The positive parity states in even-even ^152-166Dy are studied systematically in the framework of the interacting boson model (IBM). A cubic term, L=3, has been added to the Hamiltonian in order to produce the effect of triaxiality on the energy spectrum. The potential energy surfaces as a function of β and γ deformation parameters, for all isotopes have been produced. Energy levels and reduced electric quadrupole transition probabilities are calculated in framework of IBM with Cubic term (IBMC). All results are compared with available experimental data. It is found that these isotopes can be described by a schematic Hamiltonian in transition from U(5) (vibration) to SU(3) (rotation) dynamic symmetry.     

Nuclear structure around ~(80)Zr

Recent years have witnessed intense activity concerning the study of nuclei with equal numbers of neutrons and protons (N = Z). Exotic properties have been exhibited in the N = Z nuclei, especially in those with atomic masses around 80. In the present paper, the projected shell model(PSM)together with a relativistic Hartree-Bogoliubov (RHB) theory is used to study the nuclear structure near the N = Z line in the mass A ≈ 80 region. For three Zr isotopes 80,82,84Zr, the projected potential energy surfaces and ground state bands are calculated. It is shown that shape coexistence occurs in all of these nuclei. Moreover, we find that the residual neutron-proton interaction strongly affects the ground state band of 80Zr; however, it slightly modifies those of 82Zr and 84Zr.