Searcharxiv⌕ Search

arXiv subjects

M. Płoszajczak

Publications and source records attributed to M. Płoszajczak.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
arXiv2026

$^{14}$N(p,$γ)^{15}$O $S$ factor and the puzzling solar composition problem

In stellar hydrogen burning, the CNO cycle dominates, with the $^{14}$N(p,$γ)^{15}$O reaction being the slowest process. Consequently, this reaction critically influences the solar composition, CNO neutrino fluxes, and the evolution of star clusters and galaxies. Recent direct measurements of $^{14}$N(p,$γ)^{15}$O have reported an enhanced astrophysical $S$-factor. This work presents a microscopic theoretical study of the $^{14}$N(p,$γ)^{15}$O reaction using the Gamow shell model in the coupled-channel representation (GSM-CC). The calculations achieve good agreement with experimental data for both the total $S$-factors and the separate contributions from transitions to the ground state and excited states of $^{15}\mathrm{O}$. However, the predicted $S$-factor at zero energy exceeds the experimental value. Based on the computed $S$-factors, the derived carbon and nitrogen abundances align closely with predictions from recent $^{14}$N(p,$γ)^{15}$O cross-section measurements, yet remain significantly lower than the latest solar neutrino observation values.

nucl-th↗
arXiv2026

Unfolding of exotic near-threshold structure and decay dynamics in $^{17}$B

Neutron-rich boron isotopes provide a valuable testing ground for threshold-driven structure and reaction phenomena, including halo formation and exotic decay modes. In particular, the structure of $^{17}\mathrm{B}$ and its relation to unbound $^{16}\mathrm{B}$ are of special interest. The $^{16}\mathrm{B}$ nucleus is slightly unbound by approximately $50~\mathrm{keV}$, while $^{17}\mathrm{B}$ is bound with a neutron separation energy of about $1.4-1.6~\mathrm{MeV}$. The observation of a $1640~\mathrm{keV}$ $γ$ ray in $^{17}\mathrm{B}$, which we argue originates from a $1/2^-$ excited state, points to a remarkable situation in which $γ$ decay and two-neutron decay can compete. We analyze and identify the main reasons for this competition: $L=2$ emission of the neutron pair, and structural realignment driven by the proximity of the one-body threshold, in particular the nearby $s$-wave neutron decay channel. The decay is a unique near-threshold $L=2$ process in which multiple structural components contribute, each with coexisting direct and virtual sequential amplitudes whose interference governs the observables. Because threshold dynamics, continuum coupling, and interference of multiple quantum pathways are universal, closely related scenarios arise in ultracold atoms near Feshbach resonances, few-body atomic and molecular breakups, mesoscopic and photonic open systems, and other areas where open-quantum-system effects impact observables. We employ advanced theoretical models to study this first-of-its-kind case and provide a coherent theoretical perspective based on configuration interaction and complex-energy formalisms that incorporate both reaction continuum and structural effects near threshold.

nucl-th↗
arXiv2025

Deviations from the Isobaric Multiplet Mass Equation due to threshold states

Recent studies have completed the A=16 isospin quintets for states with spin/parity Jπ =0+ and 2+. The dependence of their masses as a function of isospin projection shows evidence for deviations from quadratic behavior indicating isospin violation beyond the expectation from two- body forces. The deviation is most pronounced for the 2+ states. Predictions from the Shell Model Embedded in the Continuum (SMEC) allow us to explain that this isospin violation is associated with a modification of the nuclear structure due to the open-quantum-system nature of the proton- rich members of the quintet. In particular, the 0+ and 2+ states in 16Ne and the 2+ state in 16F are threshold resonances located just above a proton-decay threshold where s-wave coupling to the continuum is expected. The measured deviations of these threshold states from the quadratic behavior of the remaining members of the multiplets makes it possible to obtain information on the magnitude and the energy dependence of the continuum-coupling energy correction. Continuum coupling is also indicated for the ground state of 8C, but this time through p-wave coupling.

nucl-th↗
arXiv2025

Unbound neutron $\nu0d_{3/2}$ strength in $^{17}$C and the N=16 shell gap

Significant continuum strength has been observed to be populated in $^{17}$C produced in the d($^{16}$C,p) reaction at a beam energy of 17.2~MeV/nucleon. The strength appears at greater than $\sim$2~MeV above the single-neutron decay threshold and has been identified as arising from transfer into the neutron $0d_{3/2}$ orbital. Guided by shell model predictions the greater majority of the strength is associated with a 3/2$^+$ state at an excitation energy of 4.40$_{-0.14}^{+0.33}$ MeV and a much weaker 3/2$^+$ level at 5.60$_{-0.45}^{+1.35}$ MeV. The corresponding total widths were determined to be 3.45$_{-0.78}^{+1.82}$ and 1.6$_{-1.4}^{+4.6}$ MeV, respectively. From the backward angle proton differential cross sections and the branching ratios for neutron decay to the $^{16}$C(2$_{1}^{+}$) level, the corresponding spectroscopic factors to the ground state were deduced to be 0.47$\pm{10}$ and $<$0.09. Shell-model calculations employing the phenomenological SFO-tls interaction as well as Gamow Shell-Model calculations including continuum effects are in reasonable agreement with experiment, although the predicted strength lies at somewhat lower energy. The size of the N=16 shell gap ($\varepsilon_{ \nu0d_{3/2}}-\varepsilon _{ν1s_{1/2}}$) was estimated to be 5.08$_{-0.33}^{+0.43}$~MeV - some 1.3~MeV larger than found in the SFO-tls shell model calculation.

nucl-ex↗
arXiv2024

$^{19}$F$(p,γ)$$^{20}$Ne reaction rate and the puzzling calcium abundance in metal poor stars

The $^{19}$F$(p,γ)$$^{20}$Ne reaction is the only process to break out of the CNO cycle at temperature below 0.1 GK and may serve as the origin of calcium in first generation of stars after the Big Bang. In the recent measurement, the Jinping Underground Nuclear Experiment (JUNA) obtained the rate of $^{19}$F$(p,γ)$$^{20}$Ne reaction, significantly larger than the previously recommended values. In this work, we perform the theoretical studies of the $^{19}$F$(p,γ)$$^{20}$Ne reaction using the Gamow shell model in the coupled-channel representation (GSM-CC). At temperature around 0.1 GK, the predicted rate by GSM-CC is close to the rate found by JUNA. Thus, based on GSM-CC, the break-out reaction $^{19}$F$(p,γ)$$^{20}$Ne from the CNO-cycle might win over its competing reaction $^{19}$F$(p,α)$$^{16}$O, and produce enough calcium in the metal poor stars.

nucl-th↗
arXiv2024

Clusterization in nuclear states at the edge of stability

The open quantum system eigenstate in the vicinity of low-energy decay channel may mimic its features, in particular the characteristic clustering properties of the decay channel. This generic mechanism of clusterization, the so-called mimicry mechanism of clusterization, is discussed here on example of the ground state wave function of $^8$Be. At higher excitation energies, when the density of states and reaction channels is high, the quantal aspects in the clusterization process disappear and the statistical mechanism of clusterization which is rooted in the Central Limit Theorem, begin to dominate.

nucl-th↗
arXiv2024

Description of $^7$Be and $^7$Li within the Gamow Shell Model

$^7$Li and $^7$Be play an important role in Big Bang nucleosynthesis and nuclear astrophysics. The $^3$H($^4$He,$γ$)$^7$Li radiative capture reaction is crucial for the determination of the primordial $^7$Li abundance. In nuclear astrophysics, lithium isotopes have attracted a great interest because of the puzzled abundance of $^6$Li and $^7$Li. Purpose: In this work we study spectra of $^7$Be, $^7$Li and elastic scattering cross sections $^4$He($^3$He, $^3$He), $^4$He($^3$H, $^3$H) within the Gamow shell model (GSM) in the coupled-channel formulation (GSM-CC). The evolution of channel amplitudes and spectroscopic factors in the vicinity of the channel threshold is studied for selected states. Methods: GSM provides the open quantum system formulation of nuclear shell model. In the representation of GSM-CC, GSM provides the unified theory of nuclear structure and reactions which is suited for the study of resonances in $^7$Be, $^7$Li and elastic scattering cross-sections involving $^3$H and $^3$He projectiles. Results: The GSM-CC in multi-mass partition formulation applied to a translationally invariant Hamiltonian with an effective finite-range two-body interaction reproduce well the spectra of $^7$Be, $^7$Li and elastic scattering reactions: $^4$He($^3$He, $^3$He), $^4$He($^3$H, $^3$H). Detailed analysis of the dependence of reaction channel amplitudes and spectroscopic factors on the distance from the particle decay threshold allowed to demonstrate the alignment of the wave function in the vicinity of the decay threshold. This analysis also demonstrates the appearance of clustering in the GSM-CC wave function in the vicinity of the cluster decay threshold.

nucl-th↗
arXiv2024

Behavior of the continuum coupling correlation energy in the vicinity of the particle emission threshold -- Gamow shell model study

The Gamow shell model provides the open quantum system formulation of nuclear shell model. In the coupled-channel representation, Gamow shell model provides the unified theory of nuclear structure and reactions which is well suited for the study of resonances and clusterization. In this work, we apply this approach to study the continuum-coupling correlation energy for selected near-threshold states of $^7$Li, $^7$Be, using a translationally invariant Hamiltonian with an effective finite-range two-body interaction.

nucl-th↗
arXiv2023

Description of the proton-decaying 0$^+_2$ resonance of the $α$ particle

The recent precise experimental determination of the monopole transition form factor from the ground state of $^4$He to its $0^+_2$ resonance via electron scattering has reinvigorated discussions about the nature of this first excited state of the $α$ particle. The $0^+_2$ state has been traditionally interpreted in the literature as the isoscalar monopole resonance (breathing mode) or, alternatively, as a particle-hole shell-model excitation. To better understand the nature of this state, which lies only $\sim$ 410 keV above the proton emission threshold, we employ the coupled-channel representation of the no-core Gamow shell model. By considering the $[^3$H$ + p]$, $[^3$He$ + n]$, and $[^2$H+$^2$H] reaction channels, we explain the excitation energy and monopole form-factor of the $0^+_2$ state. We argue that the continuum coupling strongly impacts the nature of this state, which carries characteristics of the proton decay threshold.

nucl-th↗
arXiv2023

Gamow shell model description of the radiative capture reaction $^8$Li$(n,γ)$$^9$Li

The $^8$Li$(n,γ)$$^9$Li reaction plays a critical role in several reaction chains leading to the nucleosynthesis of $A>12$ nuclei. Due to unstable nature of $^8$Li and the unavailability of neutron targets, direct measurements of this reaction are exceedingly difficult. Only upper limits of this cross section, provided by the indirect experiments, have been obtained so far. In this work, we use the Gamow shell model (GSM) in the coupled-channel representation (GSM-CC) to study the properties of $^9$Li and the radiative capture reaction $^8$Li$(n,γ)$$^9$Li. In GSM-CC calculations, a translationally invariant Hamiltonian is used with a finite-range two-body interaction tuned to reproduce the low-energy spectra of $^{8-9}$Li. In the calculation of $^8$Li$(n,γ)$$^9$Li cross section, all relevant E1, M1, and E2 transitions from the initial continuum states to the final bound states ${3/2}_1^-$, ${1/2}_1^-$ and the resonance ${5/2}_1^-$ of $^9$Li are included. The GSM-CC approach reproduces the experimental low-energy spectrum, neutron emission threshold, and spectroscopic factors in $^9$Li. The calculated reaction rate is consistent with the experimental upper limit of the reaction rate obtained in the indirect measurements at stellar energies. The GSM-CC calculations suggest that the $^8$Li$(n,γ)$$^9$Li reaction can reduce heavy-element production via the main chain $^7$Li($n,γ$)$^8$Li($α,n$)$^{11}$B($n,γ$)$^{12}$B($β^+$)$^{12}$C. Major contribution to the calculated cross section is given by the direct E1 transition to the ground state of $^8$Li. The contribution of excited states to the reaction rate does not exceed $\sim$18% of the total reaction rate.

nucl-th↗
arXiv2023

Gamow shell model description of the radiative capture reaction $^8$B$(p,γ)$$^9$C

In low metallicity supermassive stars, the hot $pp$ chain can serve as an alternative way to produce the CNO nuclei. In the astrophysical environment of high temperature, the proton capture of $^8$B can be faster than its beta decay, thus $^8$B$(p,γ)$$^9$C reaction plays an important role in the hot $pp$ chain. Due to the unstable nature of $^8$B and the lack of the $^8$B beam, the measurement of $^8$B$(p,γ)$$^9$C reaction can only be achieved by the indirect method, and large uncertainties exist. The Gamow shell model in the coupled-channel representation (GSM-CC) is applied to study the proton radiative capture reaction $^8$B$(p,γ)$$^9$C. For the calculation of the $^8$B$(p,γ)$$^9$C astrophysical factors, all E1, M1, and E2 transitions from the initial continuum states to the final bound states ${3/2}_1^-$of $^9$C are considered. The resonant capture to the first resonant state ${1/2}_1^-$ of $^{9}$C is also calculated. The experimental low-energy levels and the proton emission threshold in $^9$C are reproduced by the GSM-CC. The calculated astrophysical factors agrees with the existed experimental data from the indirect measurements. The reaction rates from the direct capture and resonant capture are calculated for the temperature range of astrophysical interest. The calculated total astrophysical $S$ factor is dominated by the E1 transition to the ground state of $^9$C. The GSM-CC calculations suggest that $S$ first increase with the energy of the center of mass $E_{\rm c.m.}$, and then decrease with the energy. This agrees with the existing data, which has smaller values at around zero energy and larger value in the energy range of 0.2 MeV $\leq E_{\rm c.m.} \leq$ 0.6 MeV.

nucl-th↗
arXiv2023

Gamow Shell Model description of ${ { }^{ 40 } }$Ca(d,p) transfer reaction

Transfer reactions are essential to determine spectroscopic factors and astrophysical reaction rates. However, their theoretical evaluation is typically effected using standard reaction theory, from which structure degrees of freedom are absent. While reaction cross sections have been implemented in the frame of the no-core shell model with continuum, this model can be applied in practice only to the lightest nuclei. The use of the core + valence nucleon picture is then necessary to include inter-nucleon correlations in reaction cross sections involving medium nuclei. For this, we will use the recently developed coupled-channel Gamow Shell Model (GSM-CC) for direct reactions and extend it to the evaluation of transfer cross sections. As an example, we will study the ${ { }^{ 40 } }$Ca(d,p) transfer reaction with GSM-CC. Experimental data can be successfully reproduced, but at the price of the use of a very phenomenological Hamiltonian.

nucl-th↗
arXiv2022

Near-threshold resonances in 11C and the 10B(p,α)7Be aneutronic reaction cross section

The nucleus 11C plays an important role in the boron-proton fusion reactor environment as a catalyzer of the 10B(p,α)7Be reaction which, by producing a long-lived isotope of 7Be, poisons the aneutronic fusion process 11B(p,2α)4He. The low-energy cross section of 10B(p,α)7Be depends on the near-threshold states 7/2+1 , 5/2+2 , 5/2+3 in 11C whose properties are primarily known from the indirect measurements. We investigate the continuum-coupling induced collectivization of these resonances in the shell model embedded in the continuum. We predict a significant enhancement of the 10B(p,α)7Be cross section at energies accessible to the laser-driven hot plasma facilities.

nucl-th↗
arXiv2022

$β^-{\rm p}$ and $β^-α$ decay of the $^{11}$Be neutron halo ground state

Beta-delayed proton emission from the neutron halo ground state of $^{11}$Be raised much attention due to the unusually high decay rate. It was argued that this may be due to the existence of a resonance just above the proton decay threshold. In this Letter, we use the lenses of real-energy continuum shell model to describe several observables including the Gamow-Teller rates for the $β^-$-delayed $α$ and proton decays, and argue that, within our model, the large $β^-{\rm p}$ branching ratio cannot be reconciled with other data.

nucl-th↗
arXiv2021

Spectroscopic factors in dripline nuclei

Single-nucleon knockout reaction studies of the proton-dripline nuclei $^9$C and $^{13}$O suggest an appreciable suppression of spectroscopic factors. In this work, we calculate the one-neutron and one-proton spectroscopic factors for the mirror pair $^9$C-$^9$Li and $^{13}$O using two variants of the continuum shell model: the complex-energy Gamow Shell Model and the real-energy Shell Model Embedded in the Continuum. Our results indicate that the continuum effects strongly suppress the spectroscopic factors of well-bound orbits in the dripline systems, but have less impact on the spectroscopic factors of weakly-bound states.

nucl-th↗
arXiv2021

Narrow resonances in the continuum of the unbound nucleus $^{15}$F

The structure of the unbound $^{15}$F nucleus is investigated using the inverse kinematics resonant scattering of a radioactive $^{14}$O beam impinging on a CH$_2$ target. The analysis of $^{1}$H($^{14}$O,p)$^{14}$O and $^{1}$H($^{14}$O,2p)$^{13}$N reactions allowed the confirmation of the previously observed narrow $1/2^{-}$ resonance, near the two-proton decay threshold, and the identification of two new narrow 5/2$^{-}$ and 3/2$^{-}$ resonances. The newly observed levels decay by 1p emission to the ground of $^{14}$O, and by sequential 2p emission to the ground state (g.s.) of $^{13}$N via the $1^-$ resonance of $^{14}$O. Gamow shell model (GSM) analysis of the experimental data suggests that the wave functions of the 5/2$^{-}$ and 3/2$^{-}$ resonances may be collectivized by the continuum coupling to nearby 2p- and 1p- decay channels. The observed excitation function $^{1}$H($^{14}$O,p)$^{14}$O and resonance spectrum in $^{15}$F are well reproduced in the unified framework of the GSM.

nucl-ex↗
arXiv2019

Electromagnetic transitions in near-threshold resonances

Near-threshold collectivization of continuum shell model eigenstates is investigated in $^{20}$O on the example of B(E$λ$) decays of 4$^+$ states in the vicinity of elastic and inelastic neutron threshold. Changes of the electromagnetic transition probabilities as a function of the continuum-coupling strength are explained by the corresponding evolution of the double poles of the scattering matrix.

nucl-th↗