Probing the density dependence of symmetry energy via multifragmentation at sub-saturation densities

TL;DR

This study investigates the density dependence of symmetry energy in asymmetric nuclear matter at sub-saturation densities using quantum molecular dynamics models and compares results with experimental data, highlighting the double ratio's effectiveness.

Contribution

The paper introduces a comparative analysis of single and double neutron-proton ratios to probe the softness of symmetry energy at sub-saturation densities.

Findings

Double ratio indicates softer symmetry energy than single ratio.

Double ratio aligns well with experimental data across models.

Single ratio varies with fragment type and isotope.

Abstract

Symmetry energy for asymmetric nuclear matter at subsaturation densitieswas investigated in the framework of an isospin-dependent quantum molecular dynamics model.Asingle ratio of neutrons and protons is comparedwith the experimental data of Famiano et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 97, 052701 (2006)]. We have also performed a comparison for the double ratio with experimental as well as different theoretical results of Boltzmann-Uehling-Uhlenbeck in 1997, Isospin-dependent Boltzmann-Uehling-Uhlenbeck in 2004, Boltzmann-Nordeim-Vlasov, and Improved QuantumMolecular Dynamics models. It is found that the double ratio predicts the softness of symmetry energy, which is a little underestimated in the single ratio. Furthermore, the study of the single ratio is extended for different kinds of fragments, while the double ratio is extended for different neutron-rich isotopes of Sn.