Configuration mixing description of the nucleus $^{44}$S

TL;DR

This paper investigates the structure of the neutron-rich nucleus $^{44}$S using advanced configuration mixing methods, revealing strong shape mixing and supporting the weakening of the N=28 magic number.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive configuration mixing approach including beyond-mean-field effects for $^{44}$S, providing new insights into its shape coexistence and shell evolution.

Findings

Qualitative agreement with experimental spectra

Extended collective wave functions indicating shape mixing

Support for weakening of N=28 magic number

Abstract

We study the structure of the neutron rich $^{44}$S isotope with modern configuration mixing methods based on the Gogny interaction including beyond-mean-field effects. Restoration of particle number and rotational symmetries are taken into account as well as shape mixing in the whole triaxial $(\beta_{2},\gamma)$ plane. We obtain a qualitative agreement between the calculated spectrum and the experimental data reported recently. Very extended collective wave functions in the $(\beta_2,\gamma)$ plane are found for the lowest states, corresponding to very flat potentials, indicating strong configuration mixing and supporting the weakening of the N=28 magic number.