Theoretical Studies of alpha Clustering in Nuclei and Beyond

TL;DR

This paper explores alpha clustering in nuclei using ab initio calculations, extending quantum models to include cluster states, and introduces a framework combining shell and cluster configurations, revealing complex nuclear structures.

Contribution

It introduces a novel quantum formulation for deformation and rotation in cluster states and develops an extended no-core shell model incorporating cluster degrees of freedom.

Findings

Alpha clustering appears in 8, 10, 12Be, and 12C with specific interactions.

Dual rotational modes are identified: compact-object and distant-object rotations.

Cluster structures are robust but mixed with shell components in 12C's ground state.

Abstract

This article comprises three sections. Section 2 starts with a review of ab initio no-core shell model calculations by Monte Carlo Shell Model. Alpha clustering arises for 8,10,12Be and 12C with Daejeon16 and JISP16 interactions, even in the ground state of 12C. Hoyle state is shown to be dominated by alpha clustering in triangular configurations. As the ground and Hoyle states show strong deformations, they are good cases to investigate rotational excitations. As an original work, the recently proposed fully quantum (mechanical) formulation for deformation and rotation is extended to cluster states. Dual rotational modes are proposed: compact-object and distant-object rotations. The former is found in many heavy nuclei, whereas the latter can be found for clustering states. While 8Be is an example for the latter, 12C is a rare example that both modes appear. Atomic molecules and hadrons can be viewed similarly. Possible relevance to fission is mentioned. Section 3 presents a general framework for an extended no-core shell model with cluster-nucleon configuration interaction, combining traditional shell-model-like configurations with explicit microscopic configurations representing cluster degrees of freedom. The section reviews the microscopic origins of cluster substructures in light nuclei, emphasizing how nucleonic degrees of freedom, nucleon-nucleon interactions, and continuum coupling naturally extend the traditional shell model into configuration-interaction frameworks that incorporate clustering and reaction dynamics. Section 4 presents that although the cluster structure is robust in Be-C nuclei, some jj-coupling shell model components are mixed in the ground state of 12C. Using the antisymmetrized quasi cluster model, we can clearly model this competition between the cluster and shell components. The spin-orbit interaction is key.