Cluster states in stable and unstable nuclei

TL;DR

This paper discusses the dual shell and cluster character of nuclear ground states and explores the existence of linear-chain alpha cluster states in carbon-16, supported by recent experimental and theoretical evidence.

Contribution

It introduces a unified explanation of dual nuclear state character via transition analysis and predicts the stability of linear-chain alpha cluster states in carbon-16.

Findings

Dual character of nuclear ground states explained by transition analysis.

Evidence for linear-chain alpha cluster states in carbon-16.

Theoretical predictions support recent experimental findings.

Abstract

In this contribution, I will discuss two topics related to the clustering of atomic nuclei. The first is dual character of the ground state. Recently, it was pointed out that the ground states of atomic nuclei have dual character of shell and cluster implying that both of the single-particle excitation and cluster excitation occur as the fundamental excitation modes. The isoscalar monopole and dipole transitions are regarded as the triggers to induce the cluster excitation. By referring the Hartree-Fock and antisymmetrized molecular dynamics calculations, the dual character and those transitions are explained. The second is the linear-chain state of $^{16}{\rm C}$ in which the linearly aligned 3$\alpha$ particles are sustained by the valence neutrons. The rather convincing evidences for this exotic state are very recently reported by several experiments. Here, I introduce a couple of theoretical analysis and predictions.