Multiple chiral bands in $^{137}$Nd

TL;DR

This study reports the discovery of multiple chiral bands in $^{137}$Nd, supported by experimental gamma-ray spectroscopy and theoretical modeling, confirming the existence of multiple chiral bands in this nucleus and extending the known series in Nd isotopes.

Contribution

First identification of multiple chiral bands in $^{137}$Nd, combining experimental data with theoretical models to confirm their chiral nature and expand the understanding of nuclear chirality.

Findings

Two new chiral bands identified in $^{137}$Nd.

Theoretical models successfully describe the band properties.

Supports the existence of multiple chiral bands in nuclei.

Abstract

Two new bands have been identified in $^{137}$Nd from a high-statistics JUROGAM II gamma-ray spectroscopy experiment. Constrained density functional theory and particle rotor model calculations are used to assign configurations and investigate the band properties, which are well described and understood. It is demonstrated that these two new bands can be interpreted as chiral partners of previously known three-quasiparticle positive- and negative-parity bands. The newly observed chiral doublet bands in $^{137}$Nd represent an important support to the existence of multiple chiral bands in nuclei. The present results constitute the missing stone in the series of Nd nuclei showing multiple chiral bands, which becomes the most extended sequence of nuclei presenting multiple chiral bands in the Segr\'e chart.