arXiv subjects

J. Casal

Publications and source records attributed to J. Casal.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

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.

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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.

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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.

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arXiv2019

Systematical study of optical potential strengths in reactions involving strongly, weakly bound and exotic nuclei on $^{120}$Sn

We present new experimental angular distributions for the elastic scattering of $^6$Li$+^{120}$Sn at three bombarding energies. We include these data in a wide systematic involving the elastic scattering of $^{4,6}$He, $^7$Li, $^9$Be, $^{10}$B and $^{16,18}$O projectiles on the same target at energies around the respective Coulomb barriers. Considering this data set, we report on optical model analyses based on the double-folding Sao Paulo Potential. Within this approach, we study the sensitivity of the data fit to different models for the nuclear matter densities and to variations in the optical potential strengths.

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arXiv2019

An overview of the scientific contribution of Andrea Vitturi to Nuclear Physics (being an account of the recent TNP19 meeting held in Padova)

We give an account of the main achievements of the scientific career of Andrea Vitturi so far, that have recently been discussed during the workshop "Theoretical Nuclear Physics in Padova" on the occasion of his retirement from full professor at the University of Padova. He has oftentimes been the driving force behind numerous contributions to nuclear structure and nuclear reactions that are here reviewed: giant resonances, pairing correlations, collective modes, algebraic models, inelastic excitations, electromagnetic response, break-up and transfer reactions, coupled-channel formalism, clustering, subbarrier fusion processes, etc. Among these topics several inspirational works and ideas can be found that we would like to highlight.

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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.

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arXiv2019

Reaction Theory and Advanced CDCC

The Continuum-Discretized Coupled-Channels (CDCC) has been successfully employed to describe elastic and breakup of nuclear reactions induced by weakly bound projectiles. In this contribution, we review some other, less widespread applications of the CDCC wavefunction, some of them in combination with other reaction formalisms, which are being currently employed in the analysis of reactions involving three or more fragments in the initial or final state.

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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.

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arXiv2019

Exploring continuum structures in reactions with three-body nuclei

The Transfer to the Continuum method has been applied to describe the $^{11}\text{Li}(p,pn)$ and $^{14}\text{Be}(p,pn)$ reactions in inverse kinematics, using structure overlaps computed within a full three-body model for the projectile. Calculations agree with the available experimental data on the unbound $^{10}$Li and $^{13}$Be nuclei.

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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.

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arXiv2019

Structure of 13Be probed via quasi-free scattering

We present an investigation of the structure of 13Be obtained via a kinematically complete measurement of the (p; pn) reaction in inverse kinematics at 265 MeV/nucleon. The relative energy spectrum of 13Be is compared to Transfer-to-the-Continuum calculations which use as structure inputs the overlaps of the 14Be ground-state wave function, computed in a three-body model, with the unbound states of the 13Be residual nucleus. The key role of neutron p-wave orbital in the interpretation of the low-relative-energy part of the spectrum is discussed.

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arXiv2019

Two-nucleon emitters within a pseudostate approach

A method to identify and characterize three-body resonances in a discrete basis is discussed in the context of two-nucleon emitters. For this purpose, a resonance operator is introduced and diagonalized in a basis of energy pseudostates within the hyperspherical formalism. Then, the energy and width of the resonance are obtained from its time dependence. The approach is illustrated for $^{16}$Be ($^{14}\text{Be}+n+n$).

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arXiv2019

Investigating the 10Li continuum through 9Li(d,p)10Li reactions

The continuum structure of the unbound system $^{10}$Li, inferred from the $^{9}$Li$(d,p)^{10}$Li transfer reaction, is reexamined. Experimental data for this reaction, measured at two different energies, are analyzed with the same reaction framework and structure models. It is shown that the seemingly different features observed in the measured excitation energy spectra can be understood as due to the different incident energy and angular range covered by the two experiments. The present results support the persistence of the $N=7$ parity inversion beyond the neutron dripline as well as the splitting of the well-known low-lying $p$-wave resonance. Furthermore, they provide indirect evidence that most of the $\ell=2$ single-particle strength, including possible $d_{5/2}$ resonances, lies at relatively high excitations energies.

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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.

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arXiv2019

Identifying structures in the continuum: Application to $^{16}$Be

The population and decay of two-nucleon resonances offer exciting new opportunities to explore dripline phenomena. The understanding of these systems requires a solid description of the three-body (core+N+N) continuum. The identification of a state with resonant character from the background of non-resonant continuum states in the same energy range poses a theoretical challenge. It is the purpose of this work to establish a robust theoretical framework to identify and characterize three-body resonances in a discrete basis. A resonance operator is proposed, which describes the sensitivity to changes in the potential. Resonances are then identified from the lowest eigenstates of the resonance operator. The operator is diagonalized in a basis of Hamiltonian pseudostates, built within the hyperspherical harmonics formalism using the analytical THO basis. The energy and width of the resonance are determined from its time dependence. The method is applied to 16Be in a 14Be+n+n model. An effective core+n potential, fitted to the available information on the subsystem 15Be, is employed. The 0+ ground state resonance of 16Be presents a strong dineutron configuration, which favors the picture of a correlated two-neutron emission. Fitting the three body interaction to the experimental two-neutron separation energy |S2n|=1.35(10) MeV, the computed width is Gamma(0+)=0.16 MeV. From the same Hamiltonian, a 2+ resonance is also predicted with E_r(2+)=2.42 MeV and Gamma(2+)=0.40 MeV. The dineutron configuration and the computed 0+ width are consistent with previous R-matrix calculations for the true three-body continuum. The extracted values of the resonance energy and width converge with the size of the pseudostate basis and are robust under changes in the basis parameters. This supports the reliability of the method in describing the properties of unbound core+N+N systems in a discrete basis.

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arXiv2018

$^9$Be+$^{120}$Sn scattering at near-barrier energies within a four body model

Cross sections for elastic and inelastic scattering of the weakly-bound $^9$Be nucleus on a $^{120}$Sn target have been measured at seven bombarding energies around and above the Coulomb barrier. The elastic angular distributions are analyzed with a four-body continuum-discretized coupled-channels (CDCC) calculation, which considers $^9$Be as a three-body projectile ($α$ + $α$ + n). An optical model analysis using the São Paulo potential is also shown for comparison. The CDCC analysis shows that the coupling to the continuum part of the spectrum is important for the agreement with experimental data even at energies around the Coulomb barrier, suggesting that breakup is an important process at low energies. At the highest incident energies, two inelastic peaks are observed at 1.19(5) and 2.41(5) MeV. Coupled-channels (CC) calculations using a rotational model confirm that the first inelastic peak corresponds to the excitation of the 2$_1^+$ state in $^{120}$Sn, while the second one likely corresponds to the excitation of the 3$_1^-$ state.

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arXiv2018

Two-nucleon emitters within a pseudostate method: The case of $^6$Be and $^{16}$Be

Background: Since the first experimental observation, two-nucleon radioactivity has gained renewed attention over the past fifteen years. The $^6$Be system is the lightest two-proton ground-state emitter, while $^{16}$Be has been recently proposed to be the first two-neutron ground-state emitter ever observed. A proper understanding of their properties and decay modes requires a reasonable description of the three-body continuum. Purpose: Study the ground-state properties of $^6$Be and $^{16}$Be within a general three-body model and investigate their nucleon-nucleon correlations in the continuum. Method: The pseudostate (PS) method in hyperspherical coordinates, using the analytical transformed harmonic oscillator (THO) basis for three-body systems, is used to construct the $^6$Be and $^{16}$Be ground-state wave functions. These resonances are approximated as a stable PS around the known two-nucleon separation energy. Effective core-$N$ potentials, constrained by the available experimental information on the binary subsystems $^5$Li and $^{15}$Be, are employed in the calculations. Results: The ground state of $^{16}$Be is found to present a strong dineutron configuration, with the valence neutrons occupying mostly an $l=2$ state relative to the core. The results are consistent with previous $R$-matrix calculations for the actual continuum. The case of $^6$Be shows a clear symmetry with respect to its mirror partner, the two-neutron halo $^6$He: The diproton configuration is dominant, and the valence protons occupy an $l=1$ orbit. Conclusions: The PS method is found to be a suitable tool in describing the properties of unbound $\text{core}+N+N$ ground states. For both $^{16}$Be and $^6$Be, the results are consistent with previous theoretical studies and confirm the dominant dinucleon configuration. This favors the picture of a correlated two-nucleon emission.

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arXiv2018

Three-body radiative capture reactions

Radiative capture reaction rates for $^6$He, $^9$Be and $^{17}$Ne formation at astrophysical conditions are studied within a three-body model using the analytical transformed harmonic oscillator method to calculate their states. An alternative procedure to estimate these rates from experimental data on low-energy breakup is also discussed

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