Different seniority states of $^{119-126}$Sn isotopes: shell model description

TL;DR

This study uses shell model calculations to interpret high-spin states and seniority isomers in $^{119-126}$Sn isotopes, revealing configurations and pair-breaking mechanisms responsible for observed nuclear states.

Contribution

It provides a detailed shell model analysis of seniority states and isomers in Sn isotopes, including configurations and pair-breaking processes, extending understanding of high-spin nuclear structure.

Findings

High-spin states explained by broken neutron pairs in $h_{11/2}$ orbital.

Specific seniority assignments for various isomeric states.

Configurations involve successive pair breakings leading to maximally-aligned spins.

Abstract

In the present work available experimental data up to high-spin states of $^{119-126}$Sn isotopes with different seniority ($v$), including $v$ = 4, 5, 6, and 7 have been interpreted with shell model, by performing full-fledged shell model calculations in the 50-82 valence shell composed of $1g_{7/2}$, $2d_{5/2}$, $1h_{11/2}$, $3s_{1/2}$, and $2d_{3/2}$ orbitals. The results have been compared with the available experimental data. These states are described in terms of broken neutron pairs occupying the $h_{11/2}$ orbital. Possible configurations of seniority isomers in these nuclei are discussed. The breaking of three neutron pairs have been responsible for generating high-spin states. The isomeric states $5^-$, $7^-$, $10^+$ and $15^-$ of even Sn isotopes, and isomeric states $19/2^+$, $23/2^+$, $27/2^-$ and $35/2^+$ of odd Sn isotopes, are described in terms of different seniority. For even-Sn isotopes, the isomeric states $5^-$, $7^-$, and $10^+$ are due to seniority $v$ = 2; the isomeric state $15^-$ is due to seniority $v$ = 4, and in the case of odd-Sn isotopes, the isomeric states $19/2^+$, $23/2^+$, and $27/2^-$ are due to seniority $v$ = 3, and the isomeric state $35/2^+$ in $^{123}$Sn is due to seniority $v$ = 5. These are maximally-aligned spin, which involve successive pair breakings in the $\nu (h_{11/2})$ orbit.