Core momentum distribution in two-neutron halo nuclei

TL;DR

This paper models the core momentum distribution in two-neutron halo nuclei using a zero-range three-body approach, successfully matching experimental data and estimating the two-neutron separation energy for $^{22}$C.

Contribution

It introduces a renormalized zero-range three-body model to describe core momentum distributions in halo nuclei, providing new insights into separation energies and universal properties.

Findings

Model accurately describes experimental data for $^{11}$Li, $^{14}$Be, and $^{20}$C.

Estimates the two-neutron separation energy of $^{22}$C between 100 and 400 keV.

Recoil momentum distribution shows weak dependence on neutron-core scattering length.

Abstract

The core momentum distribution of a weakly-bound neutron-neutron-core exotic nucleus is computed within a renormalized zero-range three-body model, with interactions in the s-wave channel. The halo wave-function in momentum space is obtained by using as inputs the two-body scattering lengths and the two-neutron separation energy. The core momentum densities are computed for $^{11}$Li, $^{14}$Be $^{20}$C and $^{22}$C. The model describes the experimental data for $^{11}$Li, $^{14}$Be and to some extend $^{20}$C. The recoil momentum distribution of the $^{20}$C from the breakup of $^{22}$C nucleus is computed for different two-neutron separation energies, and from the comparison with recent experimental data the two-neutron separation energy is estimated in the range $100\lesssim S_{2n}\lesssim 400$ KeV. The recoil momentum distribution depends weakly on the neutron-$^{20}$C scattering length, while the matter radius is strongly sensitive to it. The expected universality of the momentum distribution width is verified by also considering excited states for the system.