Reponen, M, de Groote, RP, Al Ayoubi, L, Beliuskina, O, Bissell, ML, Campbell, P, Canete, L, Cheal, B, Chrysalidis, K, Delafosse, C et al (show 18 more authors)
(2021)
Evidence of a sudden increase in the nuclear size of proton-rich silver-96.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS, 12 (1).
4596-.
Text
Evidence of a sudden increase in the nuclear size of proton-rich silver-96.pdf - Published version Download (1MB) | Preview |
Abstract
Understanding the evolution of the nuclear charge radius is one of the long-standing challenges for nuclear theory. Recently, density functional theory calculations utilizing Fayans functionals have successfully reproduced the charge radii of a variety of exotic isotopes. However, difficulties in the isotope production have hindered testing these models in the immediate region of the nuclear chart below the heaviest self-conjugate doubly-magic nucleus <sup>100</sup>Sn, where the near-equal number of protons (Z) and neutrons (N) lead to enhanced neutron-proton pairing. Here, we present an optical excursion into this region by crossing the N = 50 magic neutron number in the silver isotopic chain with the measurement of the charge radius of <sup>96</sup>Ag (N = 49). The results provide a challenge for nuclear theory: calculations are unable to reproduce the pronounced discontinuity in the charge radii as one moves below N = 50. The technical advancements in this work open the N = Z region below <sup>100</sup>Sn for further optical studies, which will lead to more comprehensive input for nuclear theory development.
Item Type: | Article |
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Divisions: | Faculty of Science and Engineering > School of Physical Sciences |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Admin |
Date Deposited: | 09 Dec 2021 17:57 |
Last Modified: | 18 Jan 2023 21:24 |
DOI: | 10.1038/s41467-021-24888-x |
Open Access URL: | https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-24888-x |
Related URLs: | |
URI: | https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3143296 |