Quadrupole dominance in the light Sn and in the Cd isotopes

TL;DR

This paper investigates the electromagnetic properties of light Sn and Cd isotopes, revealing quadrupole dominance and challenging traditional interpretations through shell model and symmetry-based calculations.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive shell model analysis combined with symmetry considerations to explain BE2 rates and quadrupole dominance in light Sn and Cd isotopes.

Findings

Shell model calculations accurately reproduce BE2 rates for N≤64.

Weak permanent deformation supports Pseudo-SU3 symmetry predictions.

Quadrupole moments indicate non-rotational q-vibrations in certain isotopes.

Abstract

[Background] The BE2 rates of the Sn isotopes for $N\le 64$ exhibit enhancements hitherto unexplained. The same is true for the Cd isotopes. [Purpose] Describe the electromagnetic properties of the Sn and Cd isotopes [Method] Shell model calculations with a minimally renormalized realistic interaction, supplemented by Quasi and Pseudo-SU3 symmetries and Nilsson-SU3 selfconsistent calculations. [Results for $N\le 64$] Shell model calculations with the neutron effective charge as single free parameter describe well the BE2(2>0) and BE2(4>2) rates for $N\le 64$ in the Cd and Sn isotopes. The former exhibit weak permanent deformation corroborating the prediction of a Pseudo-SU3 symmetry, which remains of heuristic value in the latter, where the pairing force erodes the quadrupole dominance. Calculations in $10^7$ and $10^{10}$-dimensional spaces exhibit almost identical patterns: A vindication of the shell model. [Results for $N\ge 64$] Nilsson-SU3 calculations describe BE2 patterns in [112-120]Cd and [116-118]Sn isotopes having sizable quadrupole moment of non-rotational origin denoted as q-vibrations. No calculations are proposed for the heavier species, for which the conventional seniority dscription is assumed for Sn, while in Cd the quadrupole moments change sign. [Conclusion] A radical reexamination of traditional interpretations in the region has been shown to be necessary, in which quadrupole dominance plays a major role. What emerges is a bumpy but coherent view.