A study of nuclear structure of light nuclei at the Electron-Ion Collider

TL;DR

This study uses simulations at the Electron-Ion Collider to explore how nucleon clustering within light nuclei affects collision outcomes, revealing sensitivity of particle energy and system size ratios to different cluster configurations.

Contribution

It introduces a simulation-based approach to investigate nuclear clustering at the EIC, highlighting the impact of cluster configurations on observable collision parameters.

Findings

Particle energy and system size ratios are sensitive to alpha clustering.

Different cluster configurations influence collision observables.

Insights aid future nuclear structure studies at the EIC.

Abstract

Understanding the substructure of atomic nuclei, particularly the clustering of nucleons inside them, is essential for comprehending nuclear dynamics. Various cluster configurations can emerge depending on excitation energy, the number and types of core clusters, and the presence of excess neutrons. Despite the prevalence of tightly bound cluster formations in low-lying states, understanding the correlation between clusters and their formation mechanisms remains incomplete. This exploring study investigates nuclear clustering at the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) using simulations based on the modified BeAGLE model. By simulating collisions involving $e$+$^{9}$Be, $e$+$^{12}$C, and $e$+$^{16}$O nuclei, we find that the average energy of particles $\langle E \rangle$ and the system size ratios of particles at forward rapidity exhibit sensitivity to alpha clustering and its various configurations. These findings offer valuable insights into the dynamics of nuclear clustering and its implications for future studies at the EIC.