Ferro-deformation and shape coexistence over the nuclear chart: 28 < protons (Z) < 50 and 40 < neutrons (N) < 70

TL;DR

This study systematically investigates nuclear shape phenomena in mid-mass nuclei, introducing the concept of ferro-deformation, which is linked to specific shell configurations and spin-orbital interactions, revealing abrupt shape transitions and coexistence.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of ferro-deformation, explaining shape coexistence and phase transitions in nuclei through pseudo-shell configurations and spin-orbital interactions.

Findings

Reinforced deformation peaks at Z=40, N=64 with R=3.3

Ferro-deformation associated with strong spin-orbital interactions

Shape coexistence observed in transitional nuclei near N=58-62

Abstract

With the experimental data at the national nuclear data center, NNDC, we investigate systematically the emerging nuclear structure properties in the first 2+ excited energies, E(2+) and their energy ratios to the first 4+ levels, R = E(4+)/E(2+) in the nuclei over 28 < Z < 50 for protons, and 40 < N < 70 for neutrons. By introducing the pseudo-shell configurations built on the combined subshells, we explain the following phenomena; a semi-double shell closure, a shape phase transition, and a reinforced deformation. The reinforced deformation arises suddenly at Z = 40 (or 38), N = 60 and approaches a maximum value, R = 3.3, as being centered at Z = 40, N = 64. We define this reinforced deformation 'a ferro-deformation', as in the previous study [arXiv:1604.01017]. The shape coexistence would be expected to be, as forming a ferro-deformation, with a strong rotational mode, and a near spherical shape, with a vibrational mode, in the transitional region at N = 58, 60, and 62 for the nuclei, with Z = 38 and 40; 96Sr, 98Sr, 100Sr, and 98Zr, 100Zr, and 102Zr. We suggest that the ferro-deformation should be closely associated with a strong spin-orbital interaction between neutrons in the g7/2 orbital and protons in the g9/2 orbital. Such an isospin dependent spin-orbital interaction, with the same angular momentum, l = 4, reinforces nuclear surface toward a sudden and dramatic deformation, giving rise to the ferro-deformation at the critical point, Z = 40, N = 64. We discuss the similarities and differences of the ferro-deformation between the two critical points; Z = 40, N = 64 and Z = 64, N = 104.