arXiv subjects

A. Vitturi

Publications and source records attributed to A. Vitturi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

The ABC classification of exotic nuclei: a proposal

The large number of existing nuclear species and the long list of their possible different exotic properties, such as presence of a halo (A), Borromean structure (B), clusterisation (C) and others, calls for a classification scheme that is universal, concise, categorical, informative, accessible and easily extensible. We provide here a first reasoned attempt to fill this gap with an abridged naming scheme, called $ABC$, based on definitions and properties that characterise modern nuclear physics. We limit our chart to light isotopes with $Z\le 10$ where most of these features appear presently.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2020

Electric dipole response of low-lying excitations in the two-neutron halo nucleus $\boldsymbol{^{29}}$F

The neutron-rich $^{28,29}$F isotopes have been recently studied via knockout and interaction cross-section measurements. The $2n$ halo in $^{29}$F has been linked to the occupancy of $pf$ intruder configurations. We investigate bound and continuum states in $^{29}$F, focusing on the $E1$ response of low-lying excitations and the effect of dipole couplings on nuclear reactions. $^{29}\text{F}$ ($^{27}\text{F}+n+n$) wave functions are built within the hyperspherical harmonics formalism, and reaction cross sections are calculated using the Glauber theory. Continuum states and $B(E1)$ transition probabilities are described in a pseudostate approach using the analytical THO basis. The corresponding structure form factors are used in CDCC calculations to describe low-energy scattering. Parity inversion in $^{28}$F leads to a $^{29}$F ground state characterized by 57.5% of $(p_{3/2})^2$ intruder components, a strong dineutron configuration, and an increase of the matter radius with respect to the core radius of $ΔR=0.20$ fm. Glauber-model calculations for a carbon target at 240 MeV/nucleon provide a total reaction cross section of 1370 mb, in agreement with recent data. The model produces also a barely bound excited state corresponding to a quadrupole excitation. $B(E1)$ calculations into the continuum yield a total strength of 1.59 e$^2$fm$^2$ up to 6 MeV, and the $E1$ distribution exhibits a resonance at $\approx$ 0.85 MeV. Results using a standard shell-model order for $^{28}$F lead to a considerable reduction of the $B(E1)$ distribution. The four-body CDCC calculations for $^{29}\text{F}+^{120}\text{Sn}$ around the Coulomb barrier are dominated by dipole couplings, which totally cancel the Fresnel peak in the elastic cross section. These results are consistent with a two-neutron halo and may guide future experimental campaigns.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2020

Alpha-induced inelastic scattering and alpha-transfer reactions in $^{12}$C and $^{16}$O within the Algebraic Cluster Model

The molecular algebraic model based on three and four alpha clusters is used to describe the inelastic scattering of alpha particles populating low-lying states in $^{12}$C and $^{16}$O. Optical potentials and inelastic formfactors are obtained by folding densities and transition densities obtained within the molecular model. One-step and multi-step processes can be included in the reaction mechanism calculation. In spite of the simplicity of the approach the molecular model with rotations and vibrations provides a reliable description of reactions where $α$-cluster degrees of freedom are involved and good results are obtained for the excitation of several low-lying states. Within the same model we briefly discuss the expected selection rules for the $α$-transfer reactions from $^{12}$C and $^{16}$O.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2020

The $\boldsymbol{^{29}}$F nucleus as a lighthouse on the coast of the island of inversion

The exotic, neutron-rich and weakly-bound isotope $^{29}$F stands out as a waymarker on the southern shore of the island of inversion, a portion of the nuclear chart where the effects of nuclear forces lead to a reshuffling of the single particle levels and to a reorganization of the nuclear structure far from stability. This nucleus has become very popular, as new measurements allow to refine theoretical models. We review the latest developments and suggest how to further assess the structure by proposing predictions on electromagnetic transitions that new experiments of Relativistic Coulomb Excitation should soon become able to measure.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2020

Two-neutron transfer reactions as a tool to study the interplay between shape coexistence and quantum phase transitions

The goal of this study is to find an observable that could distinguish between both phenomena, shape coexistence and quantum phase transitions. The selected observable to be analyzed is the two-neutron transfer intensity between the 0+ states in the parent and daughter nuclei. The framework in which the study is done is the Interacting Boson Model (IBM), including its version with configuration mixing (IBM-CM). In order to generate the wave functions of the isotope chains of interest, needed for calculating transfer intensities, previous systematic studies with IBM and IBM-CM are taken without changing the parameters. Results for two-neutron transfer intensities are presented for Zr, Hg and Pt isotopic chains using IBM-CM and, moreover, the same is done for Zr, Pt and Sm isotopic chains using IBM with just a single configuration, i.e., without using configuration mixing. In the case of Zr, the two-neutron transfer intensities between the ground states provide a clear observable indicating that normal and intruder configurations coexist in the low-lying spectrum and that they cross at A=98->100, and this could allow to disentangle whether or not shape coexistence is inducing a given QPT. In the case of Pt, where shape coexistence is present and the regular and the intruder configurations cross for the ground state, there is almost no influence in the value of the two-neutron transfer, neither in the case of Hg where the ground state always has regular nature. For the Sm isotope chain that is one of the quantum phase transition paradigms, the value of the two-neutron transfer is strongly affected.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2020

Two-particle transfer processes as a signature of shape phase transition in Zirconium isotopes

We explore two-particle transfer reactions as a unique probe of the occurence of shape coexistence in shape phase transitions. The (t,p) reactions to the ground state and to excited $0^+$ states are calculated for the isotope chain of even-even Zirconium isotopes starting from stable nuclei up to beyond current experimental limits. Two-particle spectroscopic factors derived from Monte Carlo Shell Model calculations are used, together with the sequential description of the two-particle transfer reaction mechanism. The calculation shows a clear signature for a shape phase transition between $^{98}$Zr and $^{100}$Zr, which displays coexistence of a deformed ground state with an excited spherical $0^+$ state. Furthermore, we show that there is a qualitative difference with respect to the case of a normal shape phase transition that can be discriminated with two-neutron transfer reactions.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2020

Exploring two-neutron halo formation in the ground-state of $^{29}$F within a three-body model

Background$\colon$ The $^{29}$F system is located at the lower-N boundary of the "island of inversion" and is an exotic, weakly bound system. Little is known about this system beyond its two-neutron separation energy ($S_{2n}$) with large uncertainties. A similar situation is found for the low-lying spectrum of its unbound binary subsystem $^{28}$F. Purpose$\colon$ To investigate the configuration mixing, matter radius and neutron-neutron correlations in the ground state of $^{29}$F within a three-body model, exploring the possibility of $^{29}$F to be a two-neutron halo nucleus. Method$\colon$ The $^{29}$F ground-state wave function is built within the hyperspherical formalism by using an analytical transformed harmonic oscillator basis. The Gogny-Pires-Tourreil (GPT) nn interaction with central, spin-orbit and tensor terms is employed in the present calculations, together with different core$+n$ potentials constrained by the available experimental information on $^{28}$F. Results$\colon$ The $^{29}$F ground-state configuration mixing and its matter radius are computed for different choices of the $^{28}$F structure and $S_{2n}$ value. The admixture of d-waves with pf components are found to play an important role, favoring the dominance of dineutron configurations in the wave function. Our computed radii show a mild sensitivity to the $^{27}$F$+n$ potential and $S_{2n}$ values. The relative increase of the matter radius with respect to the $^{27}$F core lies in the range 0.1-0.4 fm depending upon these choices. Conclusions$\colon$ Our three-body results for $^{29}$F indicate the presence of a moderate halo structure in its ground state, which is enhanced by larger intruder components. This finding calls for an experimental confirmation.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2019

Description of continuum structures in a discrete basis: Three-body resonances and two-nucleon decays

Weakly bound and unbound three-body nuclei are studied by using the pseudostate method within the hyperspherical formalism. After introducing the theoretical framework, the method is applied first to the $\boldsymbol{^9}$Be nucleus, showing a good agreement with the available data for its low-lying dipole response. Then, recent results on the structure and decay of the two-neutron emitters $\boldsymbol{^{26}}$O and $\boldsymbol{^{16}}$Be are presented. In particular, the role of the $\boldsymbol{n}$-$\boldsymbol{n}$ correlation in shaping their properties is discussed.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2019

Transition densities and form factors in the triangular $α$-cluster model of $^{12}$C with application to $^{12}$C+$α$ scattering

Densities and transition densities are computed in an equilateral triangular alpha-cluster model for $^{12}$C, in which each $α$ particle is taken as a gaussian density distribution. The ground-state, the symmetric vibration (Hoyle state) and the asymmetric bend vibration are analyzed in a molecular approach and dissected into their components in a series of harmonic functions, revealing their intrinsic structures. The transition densities in the laboratory frame are then used to construct form-factors and to compute DWBA inelastic cross-sections for the $^{12}$C$(α, α')$ reaction. The comparison with experimental data indicates that the simple geometrical model with rotations and vibrations gives a reliable description of reactions where $α$-cluster degrees of freedom are involved.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2019

Three-body Description of $2n$-Halo and Unbound $2n$-Systems: $^{22}$C and $^{26}$O

We study the two-neutron correlations in the ground state of the weakly-bound two-neutron halo nucleus $^{22}$C sitting at the edge of the neutron-drip line and also in the unbound nucleus $^{26}$O sitting beyond the neutron dripline. For the present study, we employ a three-body (core$+n+n$) structure model designed for describing the two-neutron halo system by explicit inclusion of unbound continuum states of the subsystem (core$+n$). We use either a density-independent or a density-dependent contact-delta interaction to describe the neutron-neutron interaction and its strength is varied to fix the binding energy. We report the configuration mixing in the ground state of these systems for different choices of pairing interactions.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2019

Three-body description of $\boldsymbol{^{12}}$C: From the hyperspherical formulation to the algebraic cluster model and its application to $\boldsymbolα+\boldsymbol{^{12}}$C inelastic scattering

Form factors for $α+{^{12}}$C inelastic scattering are obtained within two theoretical ($α+α+α$) approaches: The hyperspherical framework for three identical bosons, and the algebraic cluster model assuming the $D_{3h}$ symmetry of an equilateral triangle subject to rotations and vibrations. Results show a good agreement, with form factors involving the Hoyle state having a slightly larger extension within the hyperspherical approach. Coupled-channel calculations using these form factors are ongoing.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2019

Two-neutron correlations in a Borromean $^{20}{\rm C}+n+n$ system: Sensitivity of unbound subsystems

The structure of $^{22}$C plays a vital role in the new physics at subshell closure of $N=16$ in the neutron-rich region. We study the two-neutron correlations in the ground state of the weakly-bound Borromean nucleus $^{22}$C sitting at the edge of the neutron-drip line and its sensitivity to ${\rm core}$-$n$ potential. For the present study, we employ a three-body (${\rm core}+n+n$) structure model designed for describing the Borromean system by explicit coupling of unbound continuum states of the subsystem (${\rm core}+n$). We use a density-independent contact-delta interaction to describe the neutron-neutron interaction and its strength is varied to fix the binding energy. Along with the ground-state properties of $^{22}$C, we investigate its electric-dipole and monopole responses, discussing the contribution of various configurations. Our results indicate more configuration mixing as compared to the previous studies in the ground state of $^{22}$C. However, they strongly depend upon the choice of the $^{20}{\rm C}$-$n$ potential as well as the binding energy of $^{22}$C, which call for new precise measurements for the low-lying continuum structure of the binary system ($^{20}{\rm C}+n$) and the mass of $^{22}$C. These measurements will be essential to understand the Borromean three-body system $^{22}$C with more accuracy.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2019

The Giant Pairing Vibration in Heavy Nuclei: Present Status and Future Studies

The Giant Pairing Vibration, a two-nucleon collective mode originating from the second shell above the Fermi surface, has long been predicted and expected to be strongly populated in two-nucleon transfer reactions with cross sections similar to those of the normal Pairing Vibration. Recent experiments have provided evidence for this mode in $^{14,15}$C but, despite sensitive studies, it has not been definitively identified either in Sn or Pb nuclei where pairing correlations are known to play a crucial role near their ground states. In this paper we review the basic theoretical concepts of this "elusive" state and the status of experimental searches in heavy nuclei. We discuss the hindrance effects due to Q-value mismatch and the use of weakly-bound projectiles as a way to overcome the limitations of the (p,t) and (t,p) reactions. We also discuss the role of the continuum and conclude with some possible future developments.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2019

The algebraic molecular model in $^{12}$C and its application to the $α$+$^{12}$C scattering: from densities and transition densities to optical potentials and nuclear formfactors

The algebraic molecular model is used in $^{12}$C to construct densities and transition densities connecting low-lying states of the rotovibrational spectrum, first and foremost those belonging to the rotational bands based on the ground and the Hoyle states. These densities are then used as basic ingredients to calculate, besides electromagnetic transition probabilities, nuclear potentials and formfactors to describe elastic and inelastic $α$+$^{12}$C scattering processes. The calculated densities and transition densities are also compared with those obtained by directly solving the problem of three interacting alpha's within a three-body approach where continuum effects, relevant in particular for the Hoyle state, are properly taken into account.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2016

Nature of low-lying electric dipole resonance excitations in 74Ge

Isospin properties of dipole excitations in 74 Ge are investigated using the (α,α'γ) reaction and compared to (γ,γ) data. The results indicate that the dipole excitations in the energy region of 6 to 9 MeV adhere to the scenario of the recently found splitting of the region of dipole excitations into two separated parts: one at low energy, being populated by both isoscalar and isovector probes, and the other at high energy, excited only by the electromagnetic probe. Relativistic quasiparticle time blocking approximation (RQTBA) calculations show a reduction in the isoscalar E1 strength with an increase in excitation energy, which is consistent with the measurement.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2016

Electric multipole response of the halo nucleus $^6$He

The role of different continuum components in the weakly-bound nucleus $^6$He is studied by coupling unbound spd-waves of $^5$He by means of simple pairing contact-delta interaction. The results of our previous investigations in a model space containing only p-waves, showed the collective nature of the ground state and allowed the calculation of the electric quadrupole transitions. We extend this simple model by including also sd-continuum neutron states and we investigate the electric monopole, dipole and octupole response of the system for transitions to the continuum, discussing the contribution of different configurations.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2016

Continuum discretized BCS approach for weakly bound nuclei

The Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer (BCS) formalism is extended by including the single-particle continuum in order to analyse the evolution of pairing in an isotopic chain from stability up to the drip line. We propose a continuum discretized generalized BCS based on single-particle pseudostates (PS). These PS are generated from the diagonalization of the single-particle Hamiltonian within a Transformed Harmonic Oscillator (THO) basis. The consistency of the results versus the size of the basis is studied. The method is applied to neutron rich Oxygen and Carbon isotopes and compared with similar previous works and available experimental data. We make use of the flexibility of the proposed model in order to study the evolution of the occupation of the low-energy continuum when the system becomes weakly bound. We find a larger influence of the non-resonant continuum as long as the Fermi level approaches zero.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2016

The electron screening puzzle and nuclear clustering

Accurate measurements of nuclear reactions of astrophysical interest within, or close to, the Gamow peak, show evidence of an unexpected effect attributed to the presence of atomic electrons in the target. The experiments need to include an effective "screening" potential to explain the enhancement of the cross sections at the lowest measurable energies. Despite various theoretical studies conducted over the past 20 years and numerous experimental measurements, a theory has not yet been found that can explain the cause of the exceedingly high values of the screening potential needed to explain the data. In this letter we show that instead of an atomic physics solution of the "electron screening puzzle", the reason for the large screening potential values is in fact due to clusterization effects in nuclear reactions, in particular for reaction involving light nuclei.

nucl-ex↗