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Lorenzo Fortunato

Publications and source records attributed to Lorenzo Fortunato.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

The boson number hypothesis and the boson number odd-even effect in $^{196-204}$Hg

In the SU3-IBM the oblate shape is described by the \textrm{SU(3)} third-order Casimir operator in the large-$N$ limit. However for finite $N$, this interaction can produce a boson number odd-even effect. In this Letter, we find that, the unique odd-even effect really exists in the nuclei $^{196-204}$Hg. This finding implies that realistic low-lying excitations are sensitive to certain boson number $N$. The boson number hypothesis is verified for the first time since the advent of the interacting boson model. This also proves the accuracy and validity of the SU3-IBM directly. The SU(3) symmetry and the higher-order interactions are both indispensable for understanding the nuclear quadrupole deformations.

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One-proton emission of $^{102}$Sb and its sensitivity to proton-neutron interaction

One-proton emission from the $^{102}$Sb nucleus is discussed, assuming an inert $^{100}$Sn core and the valence proton and neutron. There are experimentally measured bound states in the $^{100}$Sn-neutron system, whereas no particle-bound $^{100}$Sn-proton state has been observed. With time-dependent three-body calculations, the $1^+$ ground state of $^{102}$Sb is suggested as a possible proton emitter. This conclusion is reached by assuming a weakening effect on the proton-neutron ($pn$) interaction with respect to a bare deuteron. An analogous phenomenon is necessary to reproduce the empirical binding energies of $^{42}$Sc and $^{18}$F. Continuous shift from the unbound to bound regions by changing the $pn$-interaction strength is demonstrated. The lower limit of lifetime is evaluated as $τ\gtrsim 4.4 \times 10^{-18}$ seconds in the no-$pn$-interaction limit. However, the actual lifetime is expected as longer with a finite $pn$ interaction. Observation of a resonant state in $^{102}$Sb and its decay would provide a benchmark of the $pn$-pairing correlation.

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Jetter and Post nuclear fusion cycles: new fire to an old idea

New calculations of the time evolution and isotopic composition for a network of nuclear reactions breathe new life into an old idea in nuclear fusion, burning solid room temperature lithium-6 deuteride ($^6$LiD) with neutrons. Modern-day compilations of nuclear cross-sections are nowadays available and we use them to predict the full course of networks of thermonuclear reactions, re-examining the Jetter (n+$^6$Li) and Post cycles (p+$^6$Li), that offer great prospects for energy production in devices not based on plasma confinement. We present ideal calculations, i.e. not including the energy loss due to the Stopping power, and more realistic calculations that include the Bethe-Bloch formula. We find that a significant amount of energy can, in principle, be generated.

physics.plasm-ph

Emerging γ-soft-like spectrum in 196Pt in the SU3-IBM (I)

Recently, it has been argued that a spherical-like spectrum emerges in the SU3-IBM, opening up new approaches to understand the γ-softness in realistic nuclei. In a previous paper, γ-softness with degeneracy of the ground and quasi-γ bands was observed. In this paper, another special point connected with the middle degenerate point is discussed, which is found to be related with the properties of 196Pt. This emergent γ-softness has also been shown to be important for understanding the prolate-oblate asymmetric shape phase transition. The low-lying spectra, B(E2) values and quadrupole moments in 196Pt are discussed showing that the new model can account for several observed features. This is the first part of the discussions on the γ-soft-like spectrum of 196Pt.

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Pairing enhancement in a two-neutron transfer process through the continuum

Enhancement, due to constructive interference through the many possible reaction channels, occurs in two-neutron transfer reactions from a bound system $A$ to a weakly-bound system ($A$+2), whenever the intermediate system is unbound and consists of a continuum with a resonant state. We elucidate this phenomenon in the case of $^6$He, modeled as two neutrons in the orbitals of an intermediate $^5$He nucleus, comparing the realistic case of an unbound ($A$+1) system with an artificially bound case. A properly modeled continuum in these calculations is found to be crucial and leads to significant enhancement due to pairing correlations.

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How to determine the shape of nuclear molecules with polarized gamma-rays

A method has been recently proposed to establish the geometry of the alpha-cluster arrangement in $^{12}$C making use of polarized gamma-rays. The ratio of intensities of scattered radiation at 90 degrees along and perpendicular to the initial direction of the electric field vector, called depolarization ratio, is a key quantity that allows to underpin the nature of totally symmetric modes of vibrations. This allows to connect with the underlying point-group structure and therefore to the geometric shape of the nuclear molecule. This method is reviewed for $^{12}$C and extended to other configurations, such as three unequal clusters and four identical clusters (e.g. $^{16}$O).

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Time-dependent method for many-body problems and its application to nuclear resonant systems

The decay process of the schematic one-dimensional three-body system is considered. A time-dependent approach is used in combination with a one-dimensional three-body model, which is composed of a heavier core nucleus and two nucleons, with the aim of describing its evolution in two-nucleon emission. The process is calculated from the initial state, in which the three ingredient particles are confined. In this process, two different types of emission can be found: the earlier process includes the emission of spatially correlated two-nucleon pair, like a dinucleon, whereas, at a subsequent time, all the particles are separated from each other. The time-dependent method can be a suitable option to investigate the meta-stable and/or open-quantum systems, where the complicated many-body dynamics should necessarily be taken into account.

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Correlation Energy of Proton-Neutron Subsystem in Valence Orbit

Deuteron correlation energy (DCE) of the valence proton-neutron subsystem is evaluated by utilizing a simple three-body model. We focus on the $^6$Li and $^{18}$F nuclei assuming the doubly-closed core and the valence proton and neutron. Two interaction models, schematic density-dependent contact (SDDC) and Minnesota potentials, are utilized to describe the proton-neutron interaction. Evaluating DCE, we conclude that the proton-neutron binding in $^6$Li can be stronger than its counterpart of a deuteron in vacuum. On the other hand, in $^{18}$F, the energetic correlation is remarkably weak, and does not favor the bound, deuteron-like configuration. This significant difference between two systems can be understood from a competition between the proton-neutron kinetic and pairing energies, which are sensitive to the spatial extension of the wave function. This result indicates a remarkable dependence of the deuteron correlation to its environment and the valence orbits.

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Diagonalization scheme for the many-body Schroedinger equation

A new convenient method to diagonalize the non-relativistic many-body Schroedinger equation with two-body central potentials is derived. It combines kinematic rotations (democracy transformations) and exact calculation of overlap integrals between bases with different sets of mass-scaled Jacobi coordinates, thereby allowing for a great simplification of this formidable problem. We validate our method by obtaining a perfect correspondence with the exactly solvable three-body ($N=3$) Calogero model in 1D.

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Applications of nuclear physics to a wider context: from molecules to stars passing through hypernuclei

In this contribution I will review some of the researches that are currently being pursued in Padova (mainly within the In:Theory and Strength projects), focusing on the interdisciplinary applications of nuclear theory to several other branches of physics, with the aim of contributing to show the centrality of nuclear theory in the Italian scientific scenario and the prominence of this fertile field in fostering new physics. In particular, I will talk about: i) the recent solution of the long-standing "electron screening puzzle" that settles a fundamental controversy in nuclear astrophysics between the outcome of lab experiments on earth and nuclear reactions happening in stars; the application of algebraic methods to very diverse systems such as: ii) the supramolecular complex H2@C60, i.e. a diatomic hydrogen molecule caged in a fullerene and iii) to the spectrum of hypernuclei, i.e. systems made of a Lambda particles trapped in (heavy) nuclei.

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Algebraic theory of endohedrally confined diatomic molecules: application to H$_2$@C$_{60}$

A simple and yet powerful approach for modeling the structure of endohedrally confined diatomic molecules is introduced. The theory, based on a u(4)+u(3) dynamical algebra, combines u(4), the vibron model dynamical algebra, with a u(3) dynamical algebra that models a spherically symmetric three dimensional potential. The first algebra encompasses the internal roto-vibrations degrees of freedom of the molecule, while the second takes into account the confined molecule center-of-mass degrees of freedom. A resulting subalgebra chain is connected to the underlying physics and the model is applied to the prototypical case of H2 caged in a fullerene molecule. The spectrum of the supramolecular complex H2@C60 is described with a few parameters and predictions for not yet detected levels are made. Our fits suggest that the quantum numbers of a few lines should be reassigned to obtain better agreement with data.

physics.chem-ph

Esplorazione Della Terra Incognita Della Fisica Nucleare: Nuclei Con Alone, Nuclei "A Grappoli", Nuclei Borromeani e Altre Stranezze Esotiche!

English: If the current status of theoretical and experimental knowledge in Nuclear Physics could be reduced to a geographical chart or a planisphere, then our epoch would be in some respect comparable to the end of the Medieval age and in other to the beginning of the Reinassance: epochs in which, together with the consolidated knowledge of the Old World, there have been great and revolutionary expeditions as the discovery of America or the periplus of Cape of Good Hope, explorations aimed at reaching the limits that, along the centuries, have lead to more and more engaging scientific discoveries in more and more far away lands, ending only in the twentieth century with the complete mapping of all the continents. Nuclear Physics is living an analogous adventure on the plane of contrast... - Italian: Se lo stato attuale delle conoscenze teoriche e sperimentali della Fisica Nucleare si potesse ridurre a una carta geografica o un mappamondo, allora la nostra epoca si potrebbe paragonare per certi versi alla fine del Medioevo e per altri al Rinascimento: epoche in cui, accanto alla conoscenza consolidata del Vecchio mondo, ci furono grandi e rivoluzionarie spedizioni come la scoperta dell'America o il periplo del Capo di Buona Speranza, esplorazioni geografiche volte al raggiungimento dei limiti che, nel corso dei secoli, hanno portato a scoperte scientifiche sempre più avvincenti in terre sempre più lontane, culminate solo nel ventesimo secolo con la completa mappatura di tutte le terre emerse. La Fisica Nucleare sta vivendo un'avventura analoga sul piano della contrapposizione tra la conoscenza acquisita sui nuclei stabili e la scoperta delle sorprendenti proprietà esotiche dei nuclei instabili, più difficili da produrre, da studiare e da comprendere.

physics.pop-ph

Phase diagram for a Cubic Consistent-Q Interacting Boson Model Hamiltonian: signs of triaxiality

An extension of the Consistent-Q formalism for the Interacting Boson Model that includes the cubic QxQxQ term is proposed. The potential energy surface for the cubic quadrupole interaction is explicitly calculated within the coherent state formalism using the complete chi-dependent expression for the quadrupole operator. The Q-cubic term is found to depend on the asymmetry deformation parameter gamma as a linear combination of cos(3gamma) and cos^2(3γ) terms, thereby allowing for triaxiality. The phase diagram of the model in the large N limit is explored, it is described the order of the phase transition surfaces that define the phase diagram, and moreover, the possible nuclear equilibrium shapes are established. It is found that, contrary to expectations, there is only a very tiny region of triaxiality in the model, and that the transition from prolate to oblate shapes is so fast that, in most cases, the onset of triaxiality might go unnoticed.

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All coordinates transformations that separate the center of mass kinetic energy, their group structure and geometry

The most general coordinates transformations that allow for the exact separation of the kinetic energy operator of a quantum many-body system into total center of mass kinetic energy and internal kinetic energy are found and discussed. We find i) that the suitable transformations, depending on the number of particles, have a certain number of free parameters and this allows for the generalization of the Jacobi coordinates to a much larger class of coordinates with the same properties and ii) that there is a new, uncommon, additive group structure hidden in the transformation matrices that is connected to certain geometric properties of the set of coordinates.

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Electromagnetic response and break-up of light weakly-bound nuclei in a dicluster model

The light weakly-bound nucleus $^7$Li is studied within a dicluster $α+t$ picture. Different observables obtained within our simple model are compared with previous calculations and experiments showing good agreement. In particular we calculate dipole and quadrupole electromagnetic response to the continuum. The energy distribution of B(E$λ$) values are consistent with the energy weighted molecular sum rule and display a sizable contribution of non-resonant character arising from the weak binding property. The corresponding form factors for excitations to the continuum are used in a semiclassical coupled channel scheme to get estimates for the break-up cross section in a heavy ion reaction. The nuclear contribution is found to play an important role in the process for bombarding energies around the Coulomb barrier. The masses and charges ratios of the two clusters are shown to lead to features of the cluster halo that may significantly differ from the one usually associated with one-nucleon haloes.

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Solutions of the Bohr hamiltonian, a compendium

The Bohr hamiltonian, also called collective hamiltonian, is one of the cornerstone of nuclear physics and a wealth of solutions (analytic or approximated) of the associated eigenvalue equation have been proposed over more than half a century (confining ourselves to the quadrupole degree of freedom). Each particular solution is associated with a peculiar form for the $V(β,γ)$ potential. The large number and the different details of the mathematical derivation of these solutions, as well as their increased and renewed importance for nuclear structure and spectroscopy, demand a thorough discussion. It is the aim of the present monograph to present in detail all the known solutions in $γ-$unstable and $γ-$stable cases, in a taxonomic and didactical way. In pursuing this task we especially stressed the mathematical side leaving the discussion of the physics to already published comprehensive material. The paper contains also a new approximate solution for the linear potential, and a new solution for prolate and oblate soft axial rotors, as well as some new formulae and comments, and an appendix on the analysis of a few interesting numerical sequences appearing in this context. The quasi-dynamical SO(2) symmetry is proposed in connection with the labeling of bands in triaxial nuclei.

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