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K. Fossez

Publications and source records attributed to K. Fossez.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

\textit{Ab initio} Gamow density matrix renormalization group for broad nuclear many-body resonances

\textbf{Background} The reach of \textit{ab initio} theory has greatly increased in recent decades. However, predicting the location of the drip lines remains challenging due to uncertainties in nuclear forces and difficulties in describing nuclei that behave as open quantum systems. \textbf{Purpose} In this work, we extend the \textit{ab initio} Gamow Density Matrix Renormalization Group (G-DMRG) approach to the regime of broad many-body resonances to pave the way for systematic tests of nuclear forces in light exotic nuclei. \textbf{Methods} To stabilize calculations, we introduce a new truncation scheme in the reference space, and propose an orbital ordering based on entanglement considerations. We then show how continuum couplings increase entanglement in the many-body problem, and propose a new truncation scheme to stabilize the renormalization and accelerate calculations in extreme conditions. Finally, we demonstrate that natural orbitals can be used to efficiently describe broad resonances by introducing a new ordering scheme and by redefining the reference space based on occupations. \textbf{Results} Leveraging our findings, we propose a recipe to converge \textit{ab initio} G-DMRG calculations and apply it in low-lying states of \isotope[5,6]{He} and \isotope[4]{H}, demonstrating control of the renormalization and the emergence of convergence patterns. We also obtain the first direct \textit{ab initio} calculation of the $J^\pi = {1/2}^+$ ground state of \isotope[5]{H}. \textbf{Conclusions} We demonstrate that entanglement due to continuum couplings can be controlled in extreme conditions and successfully extend the G-DMRG approach in the regime of broad many-body resonances.

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Evolution of two-neutrons configuration from 11Li to 13Li

In this work we investigate the two-neutron decay of 13Li and of the excited states of 11Li populated via one-proton removal from 14Be and 12Be, respectively. A phenomenological model is used to describe the decay of 11Li and 13Li. While the first one displays important sequential components, the second one appears dominated by the direct two-neutron decay. A microscopic three-body model is used to extract information on the spatial configuration of the emitted neutrons before the decay and shows that the average distance between the neutrons increases going from 11Li to 13Li.

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Precision Mass Measurement of Proton-Dripline Halo Candidate $^{22}$Al

We report the first mass measurement of the proton-halo candidate $^{22}$Al performed with the LEBIT facility's 9.4~T Penning trap mass spectrometer at FRIB. This measurement completes the mass information for the lightest remaining proton-dripline nucleus achievable with Penning traps. $^{22}$Al has been the subject of recent interest regarding a possible halo structure from the observation of an exceptionally large isospin asymmetry [Phys. Rev. Lett. \textbf{125} 192503 (2020)]. The measured mass excess value of $\text{ME}=18\;093.6(7)$~keV, corresponding to an exceptionally small proton separation energy of $S_p = 99.2(1.0)$~keV, is compatible with the suggested halo structure. Our result agrees well with predictions from \textit{sd}-shell USD Hamiltonians. While USD Hamiltonians predict deformation in $^{22}$Al ground-state with minimal $1s_{1/2}$ occupation in the proton shell, a particle-plus-rotor model in the continuum suggests that a proton halo could form at large quadrupole deformation. These results emphasize the need for a charge radius measurement to conclusively determine the halo nature.

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A Vision for the Science of Rare Isotopes

The field of nuclear science has considerably advanced since its beginning just over a century ago. Today, the science of rare isotopes is on the cusp of a new era with theoretical and computing advances complementing experimental capabilities at new facilities internationally. In this article we present a vision for the science of rare isotope beams (RIBs). We do not attempt to cover the full breadth of the field, but rather provide a perspective and address a selection of topics that reflect our own interests and expertise. We focus in particular on systems near the drip lines, where one often finds nuclei that are referred to as "exotic," and where the role of the "nuclear continuum" is only just starting to be explored. An important aspect of this article is the attempt to highlight the crucial connections between nuclear structure and nuclear reactions required to fully interpret and leverage the rich data to be collected in the next years at RIB facilities. Further, we connect the efforts in structure and reactions to key questions of nuclear astrophysics.

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Perspectives on few-body cluster structures in exotic nuclei

It is a fascinating phenomenon in nuclear physics that states with a pronounced few-body structure can emerge from the complex dynamics of many nucleons. Such halo or cluster states often appear near the boundaries of nuclear stability. As such, they are an important part of the experimental program beginning at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB). A concerted effort of theory and experiment is necessary both to analyze experiments involving effective few-body states, as well as to constrain and refine theories of the nuclear force in light of new data from these experiments. As a contribution to exactly this effort, this paper compiles a collection of ``perspectives'' that emerged out of the Topical Program ``Few-body cluster structures in exotic nuclei and their role in FRIB experiments'' that was held at FRIB in August 2022 and brought together theorists and experimentalists working on this topic.

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Role of quadrupole deformation and continuum effects in the "island of inversion'' nuclei $^{28,29,31}$F

The properties of nuclei in the ``island of inversion'' (IOI) around Z=10 and N=20 are the focus of current nuclear physics research. Recent studies showed that $^{28}$F has a negative-parity ground state (g.s.) and thus lies within the southern shore of the IOI, and $^{29}$F presents a halo structure in its g.s., but it is unclear which effects, such as deformation, shell evolution due to tensor forces, or couplings to the continuum, lead to this situation. We investigate the role of quadrupole deformation and continuum effects on the single-particle (s.p.) structure of $^{28,29,31}$F from a relativistic mean-field (RMF) approach, and show how both phenomena can lead to a negative-parity g.s. in $^{28}$F and halo structures in $^{29,31}$F. We solve the Dirac equation in the complex-momentum (Berggren) representation for a potential with quadrupole deformation at the first order obtained from RMF calculations using the NL3 interaction, and calculate the continuum level densities using the Green's function method. We extract s.p. energies and widths from the continuum level densities to construct Nilsson diagrams, and analyse the evolution of both the widths and occupation probabilities of relevant Nilsson orbitals in $^{28}$F and find that some amount of prolate deformation must be present. In addition, we calculate the density distributions for bound Nilsson orbitals near the Fermi surface in $^{29,31}$F and reveal that for a quadrupole deformation $0.3 \leq β_2 \leq 0.45$ (prolate), halo tails appear at large distances. We also demonstrate that while in the spherical case the $pf$ shells are already inverted and close to the neutron emission threshold, a small amount of quadrupole deformation can reduce the gap between $fp$ shells and increase the role of the continuum, ultimately leading to the negative parity in the g.s. of $^{28}$F and the halo structures in $^{29,31}$F.

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Density matrix renormalization group description of the island of inversion isotopes $^{28-33}$F

Recent experiments have confirmed that the neutron-rich isotopes $^{28,29}$F belong to the so-called island of inversion (IOI), a region of the nuclear chart around $Z=10$ and $N=20$ where nuclear structure deviates from the standard shell model predictions due to deformation and continuum effects. However, while the general principles leading to the IOI are relatively well understood, the details of the low-lying structure of the exotic fluorine isotopes $^{28-33}$F are basically unknown. In this work, we perform large-scale shell model calculations including continuum states to investigate the properties of the neutron-rich isotopes $^{25-33}$F, using a core of $^{24}$O and an effective two-body interaction with only three adjustable parameters. We adjust the core potential and interaction on experimentally confirmed states in $^{25,26}$O and $^{25-27}$F and solve the many-body problem using the density matrix renormalization group method for open quantum systems in a $sd$-$fp$ model space. We obtain the first detailed spectroscopy of $^{25-33}$F in the continuum and show how the interplay between continuum effects and deformation explains the recent data on $^{28,29}$F, and produces an inversion of the ${5/2}^+$ and ${1/2}^+$ states in $^{29,31,33}$F. Several deformed one- and two-neutron halo states are predicted in $^{29,31}$F, and we predict the ground state of $^{30}$F to have a structure similar to that of the first ${5/2}^+$ state of $^{29}$F. We also suggest several experimental studies to constraint models and test the present predictions. The complex structure of neutron-rich fluorine isotopes offers a trove of information about the formation of the southern shore of the IOI through a subtle interplay of deformation and continuum couplings driven by the occupation of the quasi-degenerate neutron shells $0d_{3/2}$ and $1p_{3/2}$.

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Quantifying alpha clustering in light nuclei from binding energies

What is the origin of nuclear clustering and how does it emerge from the nuclear interaction? While there is ample experimental evidence for this phenomenon, its theoretical characterization directly from nucleons as degrees of freedom remains a challenge, making it difficult to improve nuclear forces using clustering observables. In this work, a simple ratio of energies based on effective scale arguments is proposed to assess the quality of nuclear forces on alpha clustering (${ {}^{4}\text{He} }$) in bound and narrow ground-state nuclei. The proposed clustering ratio is parameter-free and correctly identify basic alpha clustering features in light nuclei. It is found that in nuclei ranging from ${ {}^{6}\text{Li} }$ to ${ {}^{14}\text{C} }$, state-of-the-art \textit{ab initio} nuclear forces underestimate the degree of alpha clustering in key nuclei such as ${ {}^{8}\text{Be} }$ and ${ {}^{12}\text{C} }$. Stringent constraints on binding energies are then provided by back-propagating 10\% relative uncertainties on the experimental clustering ratios using a parallel Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm. It is demonstrated that the binding energies of the nuclei $^{6,7}$Li, $^7$Be, $^{10,11}$B, and $^{11}$C need to be obtained within tens of keV precision by nuclear forces to ensure a proper reproduction of basic alpha clustering features in light nuclei. This study provides a new and practical path to guide future optimizations of nuclear forces with a potential impact for medium-mass nuclei.

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Energy Spectrum of Neutron-Rich Helium Isotopes: Complex Made Simple

We demonstrate that the intricate energy spectrum of neutron-rich helium isotopes can be straightforwardly described by taking advantage of the low-energy properties of neutron-neutron interaction and the scale separation that is present in diluted dripline systems. By using arguments based on the halo effective field theory, we carry out a parameter reduction of the complex-energy configuration interaction framework in the $spd$ space, including resonant and scattering states. By adjusting only one parameter, the strength of the spin-singlet central neutron-neutron interaction, we reproduce experimental energies and widths of $^{5-8}$He within tens of keV precision. We predict a parity inversion of narrow resonances in $^{9}$He and show that the ground state of $^{10}$He is an $s$-wave-dominated threshold configuration that could decay through two-neutron emission.

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Resonant spectra of multipole-bound anions

In multipole-bound anions, the excess electron is attached by a short-range multipole potential of a neutral molecule. Such anions are prototypical marginally-bound open quantum systems. In particular, around the critical multipole moment required to attach the valence electron, multipole-bound anions exhibit critical behavior associated with a transition from bound states dominated by low-$\ell$ partial waves to the electron continuum. In this work, multipole-bound anions are described using a nonadiabatic electron-plus-rotor model. The electron-molecule pseudo-potential is represented by a short-range multipole field with a Gaussian form-factor. The resulting coupled-channel Schrödinger equation is solved by means of the Berggren expansion method, in which the electron's wave function is decomposed into bound states, narrow resonances, and the non-resonant scattering continuum. We show that the Gaussian model predicts the critical transition at the detachment threshold. Resonant states, including bound states, decaying resonances, subthreshold resonances, and antibound states are studied, and exceptional points where two resonant states coalesce are predicted. We discuss the transition of rotational band structures around the threshold and study the effects of channel coupling on the decay width of resonant poles.

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Search for excited states in $^{25}$O

Theoretical calculations suggest the presence of low-lying excited states in $^{25}$O. Previous experimental searches by means of proton knockout on $^{26}$F produced no evidence for such excitations. We search for excited states in $^{25}$O using the ${ {}^{24}\text{O} (d,p) {}^{25}\text{O} }$ reaction. The theoretical analysis of excited states in unbound $^{25,27}$O is based on the configuration interaction approach that accounts for couplings to the scattering continuum. We use invariant-mass spectroscopy to measure neutron-unbound states in $^{25}$O. For the theoretical approach, we use the complex-energy Gamow Shell Model and Density Matrix Renormalization Group method with a finite-range two-body interaction optimized to the bound states and resonances of $^{23-26}$O, assuming a core of $^{22}$O. We predict energies, decay widths, and asymptotic normalization coefficients. Our calculations in a large $spdf$ space predict several low-lying excited states in $^{25}$O of positive and negative parity, and we obtain an experimental limit on the relative cross section of a possible ${ {J}^π = {1/2}^{+} }$ state with respect to the ground-state of $^{25}$O at $σ_{1/2+}/σ_{g.s.} = 0.25_{-0.25}^{+1.0}$. We also discuss how the observation of negative parity states in $^{25}$O could guide the search for the low-lying negative parity states in $^{27}$O. Previous experiments based on the proton knockout of $^{26}$F suffered from the low cross sections for the population of excited states in $^{25}$O because of low spectroscopic factors. In this respect, neutron transfer reactions carry more promise.

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Continuum effects in neutron-drip-line oxygen isotopes

The binding-energy pattern along the neutron-rich oxygen chain, governed by an interplay between shell effects and many-body correlations impacted by strong couplings to one- and two-neutron continuum, make these isotopes a unique testing ground for nuclear models. In this work, we investigate ground states and low-lying excited states of $^{23-28}$O using the complex-energy Gamow Shell Model and Density Matrix Renormalization Group method with a finite-range two-body interaction optimized to the bound states and resonances of $^{23-26}$O, assuming a core of $^{22}$O. Our results suggest that the ground-state of $^{28}$O has a threshold character, i.e., is very weakly bound or slightly unbound. We also predict narrow excited resonances in $^{25}$O and $^{27}$O. The inclusion of the large continuum space significantly impacts predicted binding energies of $^{26-28}$O. This implies that the careful treatment of neutron continuum is necessary prior to assessing the spectroscopic quality of effective interactions in this region.

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Can tetraneutron be a narrow resonance?

The search for a resonant four-neutron system has been revived thanks to the recent experimental hints reported in Phys. Rev. Lett. \textbf{116}, 052501 (2016). The existence of such a system would deeply impact our understanding of nuclear matter and requires a critical investigation. In this work, we study the existence of a four-neutron resonance in the quasi-stationary formalism using \textit{ab initio} techniques with various two-body chiral interactions. We employ the No-Core Gamow Shell Model and the Density Matrix Renormalization Group method, both supplemented by the use of natural orbitals and a new identification technique for broad resonances. We demonstrate that while the energy of the four-neutron system may be compatible with the experimental value, its width must be larger than the reported upper limit, supporting the interpretation of the experimental observation as a reaction process too short to form a nucleus.

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Single-particle and collective motion in unbound deformed $ ^{39}\text{Mg} $

Background: Deformed neutron-rich magnesium isotopes constitute a fascinating territory where the interplay between collective rotation and single-particle motion is strongly affected by the neutron continuum. The unbound $fp$-shell nucleus $ ^{39}\text{Mg} $ is an ideal candidate to study this interplay. Purpose: In this work, we predict the properties of low-lying resonant states of $ ^{39}\text{Mg} $, using a suite of realistic theoretical approaches rooted in the open quantum system framework. Method: To describe the spectrum and decay modes of $ ^{39}\text{Mg} $ we use the conventional Shell Model, Gamow Shell Model, Resonating Group Method, Density Matrix Renormalization Group method, and the non-adiabatic Particle-Plus-Rotor model formulated in the Berggren basis. Results: The unbound ground state of $ ^{39}\text{Mg} $ is predicted to be either a $ J^π = {7/2}^- $ state or a $ {3/2}^- $ state. A narrow $ J^π = {7/2}^- $ ground-state candidate exhibits a resonant structure reminiscent of that of its one-neutron halo neighbor $ ^{37}\text{Mg} $, which is dominated by the $ f_{7/2} $ partial wave at short distances and a $ p_{3/2} $ component at large distances. A $ J^π={3/2}^- $ ground-state candidate is favored by the large deformation of the system. It can be associated with the $ {1/2}^- [321] $ Nilsson orbital dominated by the $\ell=1$ wave; hence its predicted width is large. The excited $J^π = {1/2}^-$ and $5/2^-$ states are expected to be broad resonances, while the $ J^π = {9/2}^- $ and $ {11/2}^- $ members of the ground-state rotational band are predicted to have very small neutron decay widths. Conclusion: We demonstrate that the subtle interplay between deformation, shell structure, and continuum coupling can result in a variety of excitations in an unbound nucleus just outside the neutron drip line.

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Resonant spectra of quadrupolar anions

In quadrupole-bound anions, an extra electron is attached at a sufficiently large quadrupole moment of a neutral molecule, which is lacking a permanent dipole moment. The nature of the bound states and low-lying resonances of such anions is of interest for understanding the threshold behavior of open quantum systems in general. In this work, we investigate the properties of quadrupolar anions as extreme halo systems, the formation of rotational bands, and the transition from a subcritical to supercritical electric quadrupole moment. We solve the electron-plus-molecule problem using a non-adiabatic coupled-channel formalism by employing the Berggren ensemble, which explicitly contains bound states, narrow resonances, and the scattering continuum. We demonstrate that binding energies and radii of quadrupolar anions strictly follow the scaling laws for two-body halo systems. Contrary to the case of dipolar anions, ground-state band of quadrupolar anions smoothly extend into the continuum, and many rotational bands could be identified above the detachment threshold. We study the evolution of a bound state of an anion as to dives into the continuum at a critical quadrupole moment and we show that the associated critical exponent is consistent with the second-order phase transition. Everything considered, quadrupolar anions represent a perfect laboratory for the studies of marginally bound open quantum systems.

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Nuclear rotation in the continuum

${\textbf{Background:}}$ Atomic nuclei often exhibit collective rotational-like behavior in highly excited states, well above the particle emission threshold. What determines the existence of collective motion in the continuum region, is not fully understood. ${\textbf{Purpose:}}$ In this work, by studying the collective rotation of the positive-parity deformed configurations of the one-neutron halo nucleus $^{11}$Be, we assess different mechanisms that stabilize collective behavior beyond the limits of particle stability. ${\textbf{Method:}}$ To solve a particle-plus-core problem, we employ a non-adiabatic coupled-channel formalism and the Berggren single-particle ensemble, which explicitly contains bound states, narrow resonances, and the scattering continuum. We study the valence-neutron density in the intrinsic rotor frame to assess the validity of the adiabatic approach as the excitation energy increases. ${\textbf{Results:}}$ We demonstrate that collective rotation of the ground band of $^{11}$Be is stabilized by (i) the fact that the $\ell=0$ one-neutron decay channel is closed, and (ii) the angular momentum alignment, which increases the parentage of high-$\ell$ components at high spins; both effects act in concert to decrease decay widths of ground-state band members. This is not the case for higher-lying states of $^{11}$Be, where the $\ell=0$ neutron-decay channel is open and often dominates. ${\textbf{Conclusion:}}$ We demonstrate that long-lived collective states can exist at high excitation energy in weakly bound neutron drip-line nuclei such as $^{11}$Be.

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Gamow shell model description of radiative capture reactions $^6$Li$(p,γ)$$^7$Be and $^6$Li$(n,γ)$$^7$Li

According to standard stellar evolution, lithium abundance is believed to be a useful indicator of the stellar age. However, many evolved stars like red giants show huge fluctuations around expected theoretical abundances that are not yet fully understood. The better knowledge of nuclear reactions that contribute to the creation and destruction of lithium can help to solve this puzzle. In this work we apply the Gamow shell model (GSM) formulated in the coupled-channel representation (GSM-CC) to investigate the mirror radiative capture reactions $^6$Li$(p,γ)$$^7$Be and $^6$Li$(n,γ)$$^7$Li. The cross-sections are calculated using a translationally invariant Hamiltonian with the finite-range interaction which is adjusted to reproduce spectra, binding energies and one-nucleon separation energies in $^{6-7}$Li, $^7$Be. All relevant $E1$, $M1$, and $E2$ transitions from the initial continuum states to the final bound states $J={3/2}_1^-$ and $J={1/2}^-$ of $^7$Li and $^7$Be are included. We demonstrate that the $s$-wave radiative capture of proton (neutron) to the first excited state $J^π=1/2_1^+$ of $^7$Be ($^7$Li) is crucial and increases the total astrophysical $S$-factor by about 40 \%.

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Astrophysical S-factor for $^6$Li$(p,γ)$$^7$Be in the coupled-channel Gamow shell model

We have applied the Gamow shell model (GSM) in the coupled-channel representation to study the astrophysical $S$-factor for the proton radiative capture reaction of $^6$Li. Reaction channels are built by coupling the proton wave function expanded in different partial waves with the GSM wave functions of the ground state ($1^+$) and the excited states ($3^+_1$, $0^+_1$ and $2^+_1$) of $^6$Li. All relevant $E1$, $M1$, and $E2$ transitions from the initial continuum states in $^7$Be to the final bound states (${3/2}^-_1$ and ${1/2}^-_1$) states are included. It is found that the calculated total astrophysical $S$ factor for this reaction agrees well with the experimental data.

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