From the stable to the exotic: clustering in light nuclei

TL;DR

This paper reviews the progress and challenges in nuclear clustering research, focusing on light nuclei, exotic shapes, and the evolution of clustering from stable to neutron-rich isotopes.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of experimental and theoretical advances in nuclear clustering, especially in exotic and neutron-rich light nuclei.

Findings

Observation of superdeformed and hyperdeformed bands linked to quasimolecular resonances

Clustering phenomena in neutron-rich oxygen isotopes with detailed spectroscopy

Evolution of nuclear clustering from stability to drip-line nuclei

Abstract

A great deal of research work has been undertaken in alpha-clustering study since the pioneering discovery of 12C+12C molecular resonances half a century ago. Our knowledge on physics of nuclear molecules has increased considerably and nuclear clustering remains one of the most fruitful domains of nuclear physics, facing some of the greatest challenges and opportunities in the years ahead. The occurrence of "exotic" shapes in light N=Z alpha-like nuclei is investigated. Various approaches of the superdeformed and hyperdeformed bands associated with quasimolecular resonant structures are presented. Evolution of clustering from stability to the drip-lines is examined: clustering aspects are, in particular, discussed for light exotic nuclei with large neutron excess such as neutron-rich Oxygen isotopes with their complete spectroscopy.