Fluctuations and Symmetry Energy in Nuclear Fragmentation Dynamics

TL;DR

This paper investigates how neutron-proton density fluctuations during nuclear fragmentation relate to the symmetry energy, showing that fluctuations can serve as probes for the symmetry energy in different density regions.

Contribution

It introduces a dynamical model linking isovector fluctuations to local symmetry energy during nuclear fragmentation, highlighting their potential as probes.

Findings

Higher density regions have smaller asymmetry and narrower isotopic distributions.

Fragment isospin fluctuations reflect the symmetry energy of the originating density domains.

Isovector fluctuations follow local density evolution and approach equilibrium values.

Abstract

Within a dynamical description of nuclear fragmentation, based on the liquid-gas phase transition scenario, we explore the relation between neutron-proton density fluctuations and nuclear symmetry energy. We show that, along the fragmentation path, isovector fluctuations follow the evolution of the local density and approach an equilibrium value connected to the local symmetry energy. Higher density regions are characterized by smaller average asymmetry and narrower isotopic distributions. This dynamical analysis points out that fragment final state isospin fluctuations can probe the symmetry energy of the density domains from which fragments originate.