Shape transition in the even-even Cerium isotopes

TL;DR

This study investigates the shape and deformation properties of Cerium isotopes using a macroscopic-microscopic approach, revealing prolate shapes and deformation maxima without evidence of quantum phase transitions.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of shape transitions and deformation energies in Cerium isotopes using semi-classical shell correction methods.

Findings

All studied Cerium isotopes have prolate equilibrium shapes.

Maximum deformation occurs around neutron numbers N=64 and N=102.

No critical-point of quantum phase transition is observed in the chain.

Abstract

The deformation energy of the even-even nuclei of the Cerium isotopic chain is investigated by means of the Macroscopic-Microscopic method with a semi-classical shell correction. We consider axially symmetric shapes. Binding energy and two neutron separation energy are also evaluated. For the sake of clarity several important details of the calculations are also given. It turns out that all these nuclei have prolate equilibrium shape. The regions of maximum deformation are obtained around N=64 and N=102. There is no critical-point of quantum phase transition in this isotopic chain.