Clusters in Light Nuclei

TL;DR

This paper reviews the progress and current challenges in the study of nuclear clustering, focusing on exotic shapes and molecular resonances in light N=Z alpha-like nuclei and neutron-rich isotopes.

Contribution

It presents new insights into superdeformed and hyperdeformed bands and discusses clustering phenomena in light nuclei, including neutron-rich oxygen isotopes.

Findings

Identification of superdeformed and hyperdeformed bands

Observation of molecular resonances in light nuclei

Clustering phenomena in neutron-rich isotopes

Abstract

A great deal of research work has been undertaken in the alpha-clustering study since the pioneering discovery, half a century ago, of 12C+12C molecular resonances. Our knowledge of the field of the physics of nuclear molecules has increased considerably and nuclear clustering remains one of the most fruitful domains of nuclear physics, facing some of the greatest challenges and opportunities in the years ahead. In this work, the occurence of "exotic" shapes in light N=Z alpha-like nuclei is investigated. Various approaches of superdeformed and hyperdeformed bands associated with quasimolecular resonant structures are presented. Results on clustering aspects are also discussed for light neutron-rich Oxygen isotopes.