Search for the $\alpha$ + core structure in the ground state bands of $22 \leq Z \leq 42$ even-even nuclei

TL;DR

This study systematically analyzes the $ ext{α}$ + core structure in ground state bands of even-even nuclei with $22 extless Z extless 42$ using a local potential model, finding good agreement with experimental data and highlighting nuclei with significant $ ext{α}$-clustering.

Contribution

It introduces a flexible local potential model to describe $ ext{α}$ + core interactions across a range of nuclei, extending the applicability of $ ext{α}$-clustering analysis beyond double-shell closures.

Findings

Good agreement with experimental energy levels and transition rates.

Identifies nuclei with higher $ ext{α}$-clustering degrees, such as $^{44}$Ti and $^{94}$Mo.

Shows the model's applicability to nuclei without traditional $ ext{α}$-clustering configurations.

Abstract

A systematic analysis of the $\alpha$ + core structure is performed in the ground state bands of even-even nuclei of the $22 \leq Z \leq 42$ region in terms of the Local Potential Model. The $\alpha$ + core interaction is described by the nuclear potential of (1 + Gaussian)$\times$(W.S. + W.S.$^3$) shape with 2 free parameters. Properties such as energy levels, reduced $\alpha$-widths, $B(E2)$ transition rates and rms charge radii are calculated and compared with experimental data. A good agreement with the experimental data is obtained in general, even for the nuclei without the $\alpha$ + {doubly closed shell core} configuration. The analysis of the selected nuclei in the $22 \leq Z \leq 42$ region indicates that $^{44}$Ti and $^{94}$Mo have a greater $\alpha$-clustering degree in comparison with their respective neighboring nuclei of this set. In addition, the model points to the existence of nuclei without the $\alpha$ + {doubly closed shell core} configuration with a significant $\alpha$-clustering degree compared to $^{44}$Ti, $^{60}$Zn, and $^{94}$Mo. The study shows that the $\alpha$ + core approach is satisfactorily applicable to nuclei other than those with $\alpha$-clustering above double-shell closures.