arXiv subjects

E. Khan

Publications and source records attributed to E. Khan.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2020

Localisation and alpha radioactivity

Relativistic energy density functional approaches are known to well describe nuclear states which involve alpha clusters. Here, alpha emitting nuclei are analysed through the behavior of the spatial localisation of nucleonic states, calculated with an axially deformed RHB approach over the nuclear chart. The systematic occurrence of more localised valence states, having a n = 1 radial quantum number, allows to pinpoint nuclei in agreement with experimentally known alpha-emitters. The cases of 212Po and 104Te are investigated, showing the concomitant contributions of the pseudospin symmetry and the presence of n = 1 states, on the alpha preformation probability. The impact of the localisation of valence states, on alpha preformation probability, is then analysed. It allows to study shell effects on this probability, over isotopic and isotonic chains. Finally, a phenomenological law is also provided, relating this probability to the radial quantum number of the valence states.

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arXiv2020

Signature of a possible $α$-cluster state in $N=Z$ doubly-magic $^{56}$Ni

An inelastic $α$-scattering experiment on the unstable $N=Z$, doubly-magic $^{56}$Ni nucleus was performed in inverse kinematics at an incident energy of 50 A.MeV at GANIL. High multiplicity for $α$-particle emission was observed within the limited phase-space of the experimental setup. This observation cannot be explained by means of the statistical-decay model. The ideal classical gas model at $kT$ = 0.4 MeV reproduces fairly well the experimental momentum distribution and the observed multiplicity of $α$ particles corresponds to an excitation energy around 96 MeV. The method of distributed $mα$-decay ensembles is in agreement with the experimental results if we assume that the $α$-gas state in $^{56}$Ni exists at around $113^{+15}_{-17}$ MeV. These results suggest that there may exist an exotic state consisting of many $α$ particles at the excitation energy of $113^{+15}_{-17}$ MeV.

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arXiv2020

The Structure of $^{33}$Si and the magicity of the N=20 gap at Z=14

The structure of $^{33}$Si was studied by a one-neutron knockout reaction from a $^{34}$Si beam at 98.5 MeV/u incident on a $^{9}$Be target. The prompt $γ$-rays following the de-excitation of $^{33}$Si were detected using the GRETINA $γ$-ray tracking array while the reaction residues were identified on an event-by-event basis in the focal plane of the S800 spectrometer at NSCL (National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory). The presently derived spectroscopic factor values, $C^2S$, for the 3/2$^+$ and 1/2$^+$ states, corresponding to a neutron removal from the $0d_{3/2}$ and $1s_{1/2}$ orbitals, agree with shell model calculations and point to a strong $N=20$ shell closure. Three states arising from the more bound $0d_{5/2}$ orbital are proposed, one of which is unbound by about 930 keV. The sensitivity of this experiment has also confirmed a weak population of 9/2$^-$ and 11/2$_{1,2}^-$ final states, which originate from a higher-order process. This mechanism may also have populated, to some fraction, the 3/2$^-$ and 7/2$^-$ negative-parity states, which hinders a determination of the $C^2S$ values for knockout from the normally unoccupied $1p_{3/2}$ and $0f_{7/2}$ orbits.

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arXiv2020

Multi-messenger and multi-physics Bayesian inference for GW170817 binary neutron star merger

The tidal deformability probability distribution extracted from GW170817 alone, or including multi-messenger information, is confronted to astrophysical and nuclear physics additional constraints within a semi-agnostic approach for the dense matter equation of state. We use Bayesian statistics to combine together low density nuclear physics data, such as the ab-initio predictions based on $χ$EFT interactions or the isoscalar giant monopole resonance, and astrophysical constraints from neutron stars, such as the maximum mass of neutron stars or the probability density function of the tidal deformability $\tildeΛ$ obtained from the GW170817 event. The posteriors probability distribution functions are marginalized over several nuclear empirical parameters ($L_\textrm{sym}$, $K_\textrm{sym}$, $Q_\textrm{sat}$ and $Q_\textrm{sym}$), as well as over observational quantities such as the $1.4M_\odot$ radius $R_{1.4}$ and the pressure at twice the saturation density $P(2n_\textrm{sat})$. The correlations between $L_\textrm{sym}$ and $K_\textrm{sym}$ and between $K_\textrm{sat}$ and $Q_\textrm{sat}$ are also further analyzed. Tension is found between the posteriors: the first one is localized in the tidal deformability probability distribution itself, depending whether multi-messenger analysis is included or not, and the second one is between the observational data and the nuclear physics inputs. These tensions impact the predictions for $L_\textrm{sym}$, $K_\textrm{sym}$ and $R_{1.4}$ with centroids which differ by 2-3$σ$. Implications for the nuclear equation of state are also discussed.

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arXiv2020

Low-energy cluster vibrations in N = Z nuclei

Significant transition strength in light $α$-conjugate nuclei at low energy, typically below 10 MeV, has been observed in many experiments. In this work the isoscalar low-energy response of N=Z nuclei is explored using the Finite Amplitude Method (FAM) based on the microscopic framework of nuclear energy density functionals. Depending on the multipolarity of the excitation and the equilibrium deformation of a particular isotope, the low-energy strength functions display prominent peaks that can be attributed to vibration of cluster structures: $α$+$^{12}$C+$α$ and $α$+$^{16}$O in $^{20}$Ne, $^{12}$C+$^{12}$C in $^{24}$Mg, 4$α$+$^{12}$C in $^{28}$Si, etc. Such cluster excitations are favored in light nuclei with large deformation.

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arXiv2020

Stellar electron capture rates based on finite temperature relativistic quasiparticle random-phase approximation

The electron capture process plays an important role in the evolution of the core collapse of a massive star that precedes the supernova explosion. In this study, the electron capture on nuclei in stellar environment is described in the relativistic energy density functional framework, including both the finite temperature and nuclear pairing effects. Relevant nuclear transitions $J^π= 0^\pm, 1^\pm, 2^\pm$ are calculated using the finite temperature proton-neutron quasiparticle random phase approximation with the density-dependent meson-exchange effective interaction DD-ME2. The pairing and temperature effects are investigated in the Gamow-Teller transition strength as well as the electron capture cross sections and rates for ${}^{44}$Ti and ${}^{56}$Fe in stellar environment. It is found that the pairing correlations establish an additional unblocking mechanism similar to the finite temperature effects, that can allow otherwise blocked single-particle transitions. Inclusion of pairing correlations at finite temperature can significantly alter the electron capture cross sections, even up to a factor of two for ${}^{44}$Ti, while for the same nucleus electron capture rates can increase by more than one order of magnitude. We conclude that for the complete description of electron capture on nuclei both pairing and temperature effects must be taken into account.

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arXiv2020

Gamow-Teller excitations at finite temperature: Competition between pairing and temperature effects

The relativistic and nonrelativistic finite temperature proton-neutron quasiparticle random phase approximation (FT-PNQRPA) methods are developed to study the interplay of the pairing and temperature effects on the Gamow-Teller excitations in open-shell nuclei, as well as to explore the model dependence of the results by using two rather different frameworks for effective nuclear interactions. The Skyrme-type functional SkM* is employed in the nonrelativistic framework, while the density-dependent meson-exchange interaction DD-ME2 is implemented in the relativistic approach. Both the isoscalar and isovector pairing interactions are taken into account within the FT-PNQRPA. Model calculations show that below the critical temperatures the Gamow-Teller excitations display a sensitivity to both the finite temperature and pairing effects, and this demonstrates the necessity for implementing both in the theoretical framework. The established FT-PNQRPA opens perspectives for the future complete and consistent description of astrophysically relevant weak interaction processes in nuclei at finite temperature such as $β$-decays, electron capture, and neutrino-nucleus reactions.

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arXiv2020

Microscopic description of the self-conjugate $^{108}$Xe and $^{104}$Te $α$-decay chain

A microscopic calculation of half-lives for the recently observed $^{108}$Xe $\to$ $^{104}$Te $\to$ $^{100}$Sn $α$-decay chain is performed using a self-consistent framework based on energy density functionals. The relativistic density functional DD-PC1 and a separable pairing interaction of finite range are used to compute axially-symmetric deformation energy surfaces of $^{104}$Te and $^{108}$Xe as functions of quadrupole, octupole and hexadecupole collective coordinates. Dynamic least-action paths are determined that trace the $α$-particle emission from the equilibrium deformation to the point of scission. The calculated half-lives: 197 ns for $^{104}$Te and 50 $μ$s for $^{108}$Xe, are compared to recent experimental values of the half-lives of superallowed $α$-decay of $^{104}$Te: $< 18$ ns, and $^{108}$Xe: 58$^{+106}_{-23}$ $μ$s.

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arXiv2019

Alpha-particle condensation: a nuclear quantum phase transition

When the density of a nuclear system is decreased, homogeneous states undergo the so-called Mott transition towards clusterised states, e.g. alpha clustering, both in nuclei and in nuclear matter. Here we investigate such a quantum phase transition (QPT) by using microscopic energy density functional (EDF) calculations both with the relativistic and the Gogny approaches on the diluted $^{16}$O nucleus. The evolution of the corresponding single-particle spectrum under dilution is studied, and a Mott-like transition is predicted at about 1/3 of the saturation density. Complementary approaches are used in order to understand this QPT. A study of spatial localisation properties as a function of the density allows to derive a value of the Mott density in agreement with the one obtained by fully microscopic calculations in $^{16}$O and in nuclear matter. Moreover a study of the spontaneous symmetry breaking of the rotational group in $^{16}$O, down to the discrete tetrahedral one, provides further insight on the features displayed by the single-particle spectrum obtained within the EDF approach.The content of the tetrahedrally deformed A-nucleon product state in terms of spherical particle-hole configurations is investigated. Finally a study of quartet condensation and the corresponding macroscopic QPT is undertaken in infinite matter.

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arXiv2019

Nuclear excitations within microscopic EDF approaches : pairing and temperature effects on the dipole response

In the present work, the isovector dipole responses, both in the resonance region and in the low-energy sector, are investigated using the microscopic nuclear Energy Density Functionals (EDFs). The self-consistent QRPA model based on Skyrme Hartree Fock BCS approach is applied to study the evolution of the isovector dipole strength by increasing neutron number and temperature. First, the isovector dipole strength and excitation energies are investigated for the Ni isotopic chain at zero temperature. The evolution of the low-energy dipole strength is studied as a function of the neutron number. In the second part, the temperature dependence of the isovector dipole excitations is studied using the self-consistent finite temperature QRPA, below and above the critical temperatures. It is shown that new excited states become possible due to the thermally occupied states above the Fermi level, and opening of the new excitations channels. In addition, temperature leads to fragmentation of the low-energy strength around the neutron separation energies, and between 9 and 12 MeV. We find that the cumulative sum of the strength below E$\leq12$ MeV decreases in open-shell nuclei due to the vanishing of the pairing correlations as temperature increases up to T=1 MeV. The analysis of the transition densities in the low-energy region shows that the proton and neutron transition densities display a mixed pattern: both isoscalar and isovector motion of protons and neutrons are obtained inside nuclei, while the neutron transition density is dominant at the surface region.

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arXiv2018

Low-energy quadrupole states in neutron-rich tin nuclei

We present a study on the isoscalar quadrupole strength in tin nuclei, focusing mainly on the low-energy region. The calculations are performed using the Skyrme type energy density functionals within the fully self-consistent quasiparticle random phase approximation, allowing for a good description of the experimental data for the first 2$^+$ state and the isoscalar giant quadrupole resonance. It is found that the first $2^+$ state and the low-energy quadrupole states between 3 and 6 MeV display an opposite behavior with increasing neutron number. While the strength of the first $2^+$ state decreases, some excited states start to accumulate between 3 and 6 MeV, and increase their strength with increasing neutron number. This low-energy region between 3 and 6 MeV is quite sensitive to the changes in the shell structure with increasing neutron number. In particular, between $^{116}$Sn and $^{132}$Sn, the filling of the neutron orbitals with large values of $j$, has an important impact on the low-energy region. Our analysis shows that the low-energy states have a non-collective character, except the first 2$^+$ state. In addition, the states in the low-energy region above 5 MeV display an interesting pattern: with the increase of the neutron number, their strength increases and their nature changes, namely they switch from proton excitations to neutron-dominated one. We conclude that the low-energy quadrupole states between 3 and 6 MeV can provide information about the shell evolution in open-shell nuclei.

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arXiv2018

Single-particle spatial dispersion and clusters in nuclei

The spatial dispersion of the single-nucleon wave functions is analyzed using the self-consistent mean-field framework based on nuclear energy density functionals, and with the harmonic oscillator approximation for the nuclear potential. It is shown that the dispersion depends on the radial quantum number n, but displays only a very weak dependence on the orbital angular momentum. An analytic expression is derived for the localization parameter that explicitly takes into account the radial quantum number of occupied single-nucleon states. The conditions for single-nucleon localization and formation of cluster structures are fulfilled in relatively light nuclei with $A \leq 30$ and $n=1$ states occupied. Heavier nuclei exhibit the quantum liquid phase of nucleonic matter because occupied levels that originate from $n > 1$ spherical states are largely delocalized. Nevertheless, individual $α$-like clusters can be formed from valence nucleons filling single-particle levels originating from $n=1$ spherical mean-field states.

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arXiv2018

Localization of pairing correlations in nuclei within relativistic mean field models

We analyze the localization properties of two-body correlations induced by pairing in the framework of relativistic mean field (RMF) models. The spatial properties of two-body correlations are studied for the pairing tensor in coordinate space and for the Cooper pair wave function. The calculations are performed both with Relativistic-Hatree-Bogoliubov (RHB) and RMF+Projected-BCS (PBCS) models and taking as examples the nuclei $^{66}$Ni, $^{124}$Sn and $^{200}$Pb. It is shown that the coherence length have the same pattern as in previous non-relativistic HFB calculations, i.e., it is maximum in the interior of the nucleus and drops to a minimum in the surface region. In the framework of RMF+PBCS we have also analysed, for the particular case of $^{120}$Sn, the dependence of the coherence length on the intensity of the pairing force. This analysis indicates that pairing is reducing the coherence length by about 25-30 $\%$ compared to the RMF limit.

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arXiv2018

$ΛΛ$ pairing in multi-strange hypernuclei

Multi-strange Ca, Sn and Pb hypernuclei with $ΛΛ$ pairing interaction are investigated within the Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov approach. The unknown $ΛΛ$ pairing strength is calibrated to match with the maximal value for the prediction of the $Λ$ pairing gap in uniform matter for densities and isospin asymmetries equivalent to those existing in multi-$Λ$ hypernuclei. In this way, we provide an upper bound for the prediction of the $Λ$ pairing gap and its effects in hypernuclei. The condensation energy is predicted to be about 3~MeV as a maximum value, yielding small corrections on density distributions and shell structure. In addition, conditions on both Fermi energies and orbital angular momenta are expected to quench the nucleon-$Λ$ pairing for most of hypernuclei.

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arXiv2018

Quadrupole and octupole collectivity and cluster structures in neon isotopes

The lowest positive- and negative-parity bands of $^{20}$Ne and neutron-rich even-even Ne isotopes are investigated using a theoretical framework based on energy density functionals. Starting from a self-consistent relativistic Hartree-Bogoliubov calculation of axially-symmetric and reflection-asymmetric deformation energy surfaces, the collective symmetry-conserving states are built using projection techniques and the generator coordinate method. Overall a good agreement with the experimental excitation energies and transition rates is obtained. In particular, the model provides an accurate description of the excitation spectra and transition probabilities in $^{20}$Ne. The contribution of cluster configurations to the low-energy states is discussed, as well as the transitional character of the ground state. The analysis is extended to $^{22}$Ne and the shape-coexisting isotope $^{24}$Ne, and to the drip-line nuclei $^{32}$Ne and $^{34}$Ne. The role of valence neutrons in the formation of molecular-type bonds between clusters is discussed.

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arXiv2017

Density Functional approach for multi-strange hypernuclei: competition between $Λ$ and $Ξ^{0,-}$ hyperons

The question of the competition between $Λ$ and $Ξ^{0,-}$ in the ground-state of multi-strange hypernuclei is addressed within a non-relativistic density functional approach, partially constrained by ab-initio calculations and experimental data. The exploration of the nuclear chart for $10<Z<120$ as a function of the strangeness number is performed by adding hyperons to a nuclear core imposing either conserved total charge $Q$ or conserved proton number $Z$. We find that almost all $Λ$ hypernuclei present an instability with respect to the strong interaction decay of $Λ$ towards $Ξ^{0,-}$ and that most of the instabilities generates $Ξ^-$ (resp. $Ξ^0$) in the case of conserved total charge $Q$ (resp. proton number $Z$). The strangeness number at which the first $Ξ^{0,-}$ appear is generally lower for configurations explored in the case of conserved $Q$ compared to the case of conserved $Z$, and corresponds to the crossing between the $Λ$ and the neutron or proton chemical potentials. About two to three hundred thousands pure $Λ$ hypernuclei may exist before the onset of $Ξ^{0,-}$. The largest uncertainty comes from the unknown $ΛΞ$ interaction, since the $NΛ$ and the $NΞ$ ones can be constrained by a few experimental data. The uncertainty on the $ΛΞ$ interaction can still modify the previous estimation by 30-40\%, while the impact of the unknown $ΞΞ$ interaction is very weak.

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arXiv2017

Multipole excitations in hot nuclei within the finite temperature quasiparticle random phase approximation framework

The effect of temperature on the evolution of the isovector dipole and isoscalar quadrupole excitations in $^{68}$Ni and $^{120}$Sn nuclei is studied within the fully self-consistent finite temperature quasiparticle random phase approximation framework, based on the Skyrme-type SLy5 energy density functional. The new low-energy excitations emerge due to the transitions from thermally occupied states to the discretized continuum at finite temperatures, whereas the isovector giant dipole resonance is not strongly impacted by the increase of temperature. The radiative dipole strength at low-energies is also investigated for the $^{122}$Sn nucleus, becoming compatible with the available experimental data when the temperature is included. In addition, both the isoscalar giant quadrupole resonance and low-energy quadrupole states are sensitive to the temperature effect: while the centroid energies decrease in the case of the isoscalar giant quadrupole resonance, the collectivity of the first $2^{+}$ state is quenched and the opening of new excitation channels fragments the low-energy strength at finite temperatures.

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arXiv2017

A proton density bubble in the doubly magic $^{34}$Si nucleus

Many properties of the atomic nucleus, such as vibrations, rotations and incompressibility, can be interpreted as due to a two component quantum liquid of protons and neutrons. Electron scattering measurements on stable nuclei demonstrate that their central densities are saturated, as for liquid drops. In exotic nuclei near the limits of mass and charge, with large imbalances in their proton and neutron numbers, the possibility of a depleted central density, or a 'bubble' structure, has been discussed in a recurrent manner since the 1970s. Here we report first experimental evidence that points to a depletion of the central density of protons in the short-lived nucleus 34Si. The proton-to-neutron density asymmetry in 34Si offers the possibility to place constraints on the density and isospin dependence of the spin--orbit force-on which nuclear models have disagreed for decades-and on its stabilizing effect towards limits of nuclear existence.

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