Microscopic study of low-lying states in odd-mass nuclei for atomic electric dipole moment searches

TL;DR

This paper uses advanced microscopic nuclear theory to accurately model low-lying states in specific odd-mass nuclei, aiding atomic EDM experiments by providing reliable nuclear structure data.

Contribution

It applies multi-reference covariant density functional theory to predict nuclear spectra and electromagnetic properties relevant for EDM searches, demonstrating its effectiveness without additional parameters.

Findings

Accurately reproduces energy spectra and electromagnetic observables

Validates MR-CDFT as a reliable tool for nuclear structure analysis

Provides essential nuclear data for atomic EDM experiments

Abstract

We present a microscopic study of the low-lying states of five odd-mass nuclei of particular interest for experimental searches of atomic electric dipole moments (EDMs): $^{129}$Xe, $^{199}$Hg, $^{225}$Ra, $^{229}$Th, and $^{229}$Pa. The analysis is performed within the recently developed multi-reference covariant density functional theory (MR-CDFT), which incorporates symmetry restoration and configuration mixing based on self-consistent mean-field solutions. The calculated energy spectra and electromagnetic observables of these nuclei are reasonably well reproduced without introducing any parameters beyond those of the underlying universal relativistic energy density functional. The results demonstrate the reliability of MR-CDFT in describing the structure of these nuclei and in providing essential input on nuclear Schiff moments relevant to ongoing EDM searches.