From first to second minimum: Parity-dependent level densities in $^{240,242}$Pu

TL;DR

This study investigates how parity-dependent level densities evolve in plutonium isotopes across various deformations, revealing faster parity equilibration near the superdeformed second minimum.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed calculation of parity-dependent level densities in $^{240,242}$Pu across multiple deformation states, including the second minimum.

Findings

Parity-equilibration energy is lower near the second minimum.

Faster parity equilibration occurs in the superdeformed region.

Significant differences in level density ratios between configurations.

Abstract

We calculate the parity-dependent level density ratios for $^{240,242}$Pu across a broad range of quadrupole deformations, from the spherical configuration up to the superdeformed region, explicitly including both the ground-state minimum and the second minimum (fission isomer). The parity-equilibration energy, defined as the excitation energy at which positive- and negative-parity level densities approach equilibrium, is compared between configurations. A significant reduction is observed near the second minimum, indicating a faster equilibration process in this region.