Quantum Monte Carlo calculations of magnetic form factors in light nuclei

TL;DR

This paper uses Quantum Monte Carlo methods to calculate magnetic form factors in light nuclei, achieving good agreement with experimental data and providing predictions for several isotopes, highlighting the importance of two-nucleon currents.

Contribution

The study introduces detailed Quantum Monte Carlo calculations of magnetic form factors in light nuclei using Norfolk interactions, including two- and three-nucleon forces and electromagnetic currents, with new predictions for several isotopes.

Findings

Two-nucleon currents significantly contribute to magnetic form factors.

Good agreement with experimental data for certain light nuclei up to q~3 fm$^{-1}$.

Predictions for magnetic form factors of several radioactive isotopes.

Abstract

We present Quantum Monte Carlo calculations of magnetic form factors in $A=6-10$ nuclei, based on Norfolk two- and three-nucleon interactions, and associated one- and two-body electromagnetic currents. Agreement with the available experimental data for $^6$Li, $^7$Li, $^9$Be and $^{10}$B up to values of momentum transfer $q\sim 3$ fm$^{-1}$ is achieved when two-nucleon currents are accounted for. We present a set of predictions for the magnetic form factors of $^7$Be, $^8$Li, $^9$Li, and $^9$C. In these systems, two-body currents account for $\sim40-60\%$ of the total magnetic strength. Measurements in any of these radioactive systems would provide valuable insights on the nuclear magnetic structure emerging from the underlying many-nucleon dynamics. A particularly interesting case is that of $^7$Be, as it would enable investigations of the magnetic structure of mirror nuclei.