arXiv · 1904.11555
Exact isovector pairing in a shell-model framework: Role of proton-neutron correlations in isobaric analog states
Abstract
We utilize a nuclear shell model Hamiltonian with only two adjustable parameters to generate, for the first time, exact solutions for pairing correlations for light to medium-mass nuclei, including the challenging proton-neutron pairs, while also identifying the primary physics involved. In addition to single-particle energy and Coulomb potential terms, the shell model Hamiltonian consists of an isovector $T=1$ pairing interaction and an average proton-neutron isoscalar $T=0$ interaction, where the $T=0$ term describes the average interaction between non-paired protons and neutrons. This Hamiltonian is exactly solvable, where, utilizing 3 to 7 single-particle energy levels, we reproduce experimental data for 0$^+$ state energies for isotopes with mass $A=10$ through $A=62$ exceptionally well including isotopes from He to Ge. Additionally, we isolate effects due to like-particle and proton-neutron pairing, provide estimates for the total and proton-neutron pairing gaps, and reproduce $N$ (neutron) = $Z$ (proton) irregularity. These results provide a further understanding for the key role of proton-neutron pairing correlations in nuclei, which is especially important for waiting-point nuclei on the rp-path of nucleosynthesis.
Explore related subjects
Keep this discovery
M. E. Miora, K. D. Launey, D. Kekejian, F. Pan, J. P. Draayer. 2019-04-25. Exact isovector pairing in a shell-model framework: Role of proton-neutron correlations in isobaric analog states. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevc.100.064310
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.