Linear chain structure of four-$\alpha$ clusters in $^{16}$O

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates the existence of stable linear-chain four-alpha cluster configurations in oxygen-16 at specific angular momenta, revealing exotic states with large moments of inertia using a Skyrme cranked Hartree-Fock approach.

Contribution

It introduces a novel theoretical demonstration of stable linear-chain alpha cluster states in $^{16}$O at certain angular momenta.

Findings

Stable linear-chain configurations exist at 13-18 ħ angular momentum.

Exotic states with large moments of inertia are demonstrated.

First-time demonstration of stable large-inertia states in this context.

Abstract

We investigate the linear-chain configurations of four-$\alpha$ clusters in $^{16}$O using a Skyrme cranked Hartree-Fock method and discuss the relationship between the stability of such states and angular momentum. We show the existence of a region of angular momentum (13-18 $\hbar$) where the linear chain configuration is stabilized. For the first time we demonstrate that stable exotic states with a large moment of inertia ($\hbar^2/2\Theta$ $\sim$ 0.06-0.08 MeV) can exist.