Decoupling of valence nucleons in configuration-interaction shell model approach

TL;DR

This paper investigates the difference between neutron and proton transition matrix elements in nuclear models, highlighting that these are not equivalent within the configuration-interaction shell model, which has implications for understanding nuclear structure.

Contribution

The study clarifies that neutron and proton transition matrix elements differ from shell model calculations, emphasizing the need to reconsider interpretations of nuclear transition data.

Findings

Transition matrix elements are not the same as shell model calculations.

Decoupling of neutron and proton densities may be misinterpreted if based solely on shell model.

Highlights the importance of considering model limitations in nuclear structure analysis.

Abstract

The unusual ratio of the neutron and proton transition matrix elements, $M_n/M_p$, may indicate the exotic feature of decoupled neutron and proton density distributions. In this contribution we show that these transition matrix elements are not the same as the ones calculated within the configuration-interaction shell model approach.