Proton pygmy resonances: predictions for N=20 isotones

TL;DR

This paper predicts low-energy proton pygmy resonances in N=20 isotones, highlighting the role of structural effects like loose binding and potential proton-skin oscillations, using advanced theoretical models.

Contribution

It introduces detailed QRPA and CRPA calculations for N=20 isotones, emphasizing the importance of structural effects and providing predictions for proton-rich nuclei.

Findings

Enhanced E1 strength below giant dipole resonance in proton-rich isotones.

Predicted large E1 strength differences between isotones and mirror nuclei.

Potential development of proton-skin oscillations in 46Fe.

Abstract

We study theoretically the low-energy electric-dipole response of N=20 isotones. We present results from a quasiparticle random-phase approximation (QRPA) and a continuum random-phase approximation (CRPA), and we compare them with results for the mirror Z=20 nuclei. According to our analysis, enhanced E1 strength is expected energetically well below the giant dipole resonance in the proton-rich isotones. Large amounts of E1 strength in the asymmetric N=20 isotones are predicted, unlike their equally asymmetric Z=20 mirror nuclei, pointing unambiguously to the role of structural effects such as loose binding. A proton-skin oscillation could develop especially in 46Fe. The proper description of non localized threshold transitions and the nucleon effective mass in mean-field treatments may affect theoretical predictions. We call for systematic theoretical investigations to quantify the role bulk-matter properties, in anticipation of measurements of E1 transitions in proton-rich nuclei.