Octupole correlations in the nucleus $^{144}$Ba described with symmetry conserving configuration mixing calculations

TL;DR

This paper investigates the complex interplay of quadrupole and octupole deformations in the nucleus $^{144}$Ba using a sophisticated symmetry conserving configuration mixing approach, achieving predictions that align well with experimental observations.

Contribution

It introduces a symmetry conserving configuration mixing method based on Gogny EDF that includes particle number, parity, and angular momentum restoration for nuclear structure calculations.

Findings

Predicted excitation energies match experimental data.

Electromagnetic transition probabilities agree with measurements.

Demonstrates the importance of octupole correlations in $^{144}$Ba.

Abstract

We study the interplay of quadrupole and octupole degrees of freedom in the structure of the isotope $^{144}$Ba. A symmetry conserving configuration mixing method (SCCM) based on a Gogny energy density functional (EDF) has been used. The method includes particle number, parity and angular momentum restoration as well as axial quadrupole and octupole shape mixing within the generator coordinate method. Predictions both for excitation energies and electromagnetic transition probabilities are in good agreement with the most recent experimental data.