Nuclear charge radii of aluminium isotopes at the proton drip line

TL;DR

This study presents the first laser-spectroscopy measurements of nuclear charge radii for neutron-deficient aluminium isotopes near the proton drip line, revealing a step-like increase and providing new insights into nuclear size evolution.

Contribution

It introduces novel experimental data on charge radii of aluminium isotopes at the proton drip line using RISE at FRIB, advancing understanding of nuclear size evolution.

Findings

Charge radii increase step-wise toward the drip line.

$^{22}$ and $^{23}$Al have similar charge radii.

Results align with mirror partner data and theoretical models.

Abstract

Understanding the evolution of nuclear size away from stability remains a central challenge in nuclear physics. In neutron-deficient systems, charge radii can be highly sensitive to the interplay between strong and electromagnetic interactions, and the effects of weak binding, giving rise to exotic nuclear phenomena. However, experimental data on these systems has been limited by short lifetimes and low production rates. Here we report the first laser-spectroscopy measurements of nuclear charge radii along the neutron-deficient aluminium isotopic chain, from $^{25}$Al to the proton-drip-line nucleus $^{22}$Al, using the {Resonance Ionization Spectroscopy Experiment} (RISE) at the {Facility for Rare Isotope Beams} (FRIB). Our measurements reveal a step-like increase in charge radius toward the drip line, with similar radii for $^{22,\,23}$Al. A comparison of our results with those of their mirror partners reveals an almost identical correlation with the calculated proton skins and is consistent with the systematic trend of well-bound nuclei. These results offer insight for understanding the evolution of nuclear size at the proton dripline and place important constraints on modern nuclear theory. They also demonstrate the unique combined capabilities of RISE and FRIB to probe the structures of previously inaccessible nuclei at the limits of existence.