Light exotic nuclei with extreme neutron excess and $2 \leq z \leq 8$

TL;DR

This study uses the HF+BCS method with Skyrme forces to explore light nuclei near the neutron drip line, revealing stability peninsulas at specific isotopes with extreme neutron excess.

Contribution

It identifies new stability regions at $^{18}$He and $^{40}$C, showing these nuclei are stable against neutron emission with the highest neutron-to-proton ratios.

Findings

Neutron drip line forms stability peninsulas at $^{18}$He and $^{40}$C.

These isotopes are stable against one neutron emission.

They have the highest known neutron-to-proton ratios in stable nuclei.

Abstract

Using HF+BCS method we study light nuclei with nuclear charge in the range $2 \leq Z \leq 8$ and lying near the neutron drip line. The HF method uses effective Skyrme forces and allows for axial deformations. We find that the neutron drip line forms stability peninsulas at $^{18}$He and $^{40}$C. These isotopes are found to be stable against one neutron emission and possess the highest known neutron to proton ratio in stable nuclei.