Prediction of deformed halo nuclei $^{43,45}$Si from multiple criteria based on structure and reaction analyses

TL;DR

This study combines structure and reaction analyses to predict deformed neutron halos in silicon isotopes $^{43,45}$Si, using advanced theoretical models and experimental data, revealing consistent halo signatures across multiple criteria.

Contribution

It is the first comprehensive investigation combining multiple criteria and models to predict deformed neutron halos in silicon isotopes $^{43,45}$Si.

Findings

Predicted $p$-wave neutron halos in $^{43,45}$Si.

Shape decoupling between halo and core observed.

Enhanced reaction cross sections support halo existence.

Abstract

Possible deformed neutron halos in silicon isotopes are investigated from both structure and reaction perspectives using the deformed relativistic Hartree-Bogoliubov theory in continuum (DRHBc) combined with the Glauber model. The experimental neutron separation energies of silicon isotopes are well reproduced by the DRHBc theory. Multiple halo criteria are examined, including the global ones based on root-mean-square radii and density profiles, as well as the microscopic ones based on single-particle orbitals and their spatial distributions. Calculations employing different density functionals and pairing strengths consistently indicate the emergence of $p$-wave neutron halos in $^{43,45}$Si, accompanied by pronounced shape decoupling between the halo and the core. Moreover, the enhanced reaction cross sections and the narrow longitudinal momentum distributions of one-neutron removal residues provide additional evidence supporting the halo structures in $^{43,45}$Si.