Nuclei near and at the proton dripline

TL;DR

This paper explores the unique phenomena, decay modes, and nucleosynthesis roles of nuclei near and beyond the proton dripline, highlighting landmark isotopes and exotic behaviors in this extreme nuclear region.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of the main phenomena and properties of nuclei near the proton dripline, including decay modes, symmetry breaking, and their role in nucleosynthesis.

Findings

Identification of exotic decay modes like proton and two-proton radioactivity

Observation of isospin symmetry breaking and Thomas-Ehrmann shift

Role of proton dripline nuclei in rapid-proton capture process

Abstract

Nuclei in the vicinity of the proton dripline and beyond it are a fascinating realm within the chart of nuclei. In this chapter the main phenomena that characterize this domain and are not to be found elsewhere are explored. While moving away from the $\beta$-stability valley towards the proton dripline, phenomena like very exotic decay modes such as $\beta$-delayed (multi-) particle emission, and proton-, or two-proton radioactivity are encountered. Landmark nuclei are here two isotopes with magic proton and neutron numbers, $^{48}$Ni and $^{100}$Sn. Moreover, proton-rich nuclei ($N < Z$) display other interesting features, like breaking of isospin symmetry with consequent asymmetry in the energy spectra between mirror nuclei, the so-called Thomas-Ehrmann shift, or the phenomenon of proton-halo. Last but not least, nuclei close to the proton dripline play a very important role in nucleosynthesis, since they take part in the rapid-proton capture process and their properties are crucial in defining the flow followed and its termination close to $^{100}$Sn.