Density dependence of the pairing interaction and pairing correlation in unstable nuclei

TL;DR

This study systematically examines how the density dependence of zero-range pairing interactions affects pairing gaps in nuclei across the nuclear chart, highlighting differences in predictions for unstable and neutron-rich nuclei.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive assessment of volume, surface, and mixed pairing forces using Skyrme-Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov calculations, especially in unstable nuclei.

Findings

Surface pairing predicts stronger neutron gaps in neutron-rich nuclei.

Volume and mixed pairing show reduced gaps far from stability.

Calculations align with empirical data near stability line.

Abstract

This work aims at a global assessment of the effect of the density dependence of the zero-range pairing interaction. Systematic Skyrme-Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov calculations with the volume, surface and mixed pairing forces are carried out to study the pairing gaps in even-even nuclei over the whole nuclear chart. Calculations are also done in coordinate representation for unstable semi-magic even-even nuclei. The calculated pairing gaps are compared with empirical values from four different odd-even staggering formulae. Calculations with the three pairing interactions are comparable for most nuclei close to $\beta$-stability line. However, the surface interaction calculations predict neutron pairing gaps in neutron-rich nuclei that are significantly stronger than those given by the mixed and volume pairing. On the other hand, calculations with volume and mixed pairing forces show noticeable reduction of neutron pairing gaps in nuclei far from the stability.