arXiv subjects

N. Paar

Publications and source records attributed to N. Paar.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

arXiv2013

Information content of the weak-charge form factor

Parity-violating electron scattering provides a model-independent determination of the nuclear weak-charge form factor that has widespread implications across such diverse areas as fundamental symmetries, nuclear structure, heavy-ion collisions, and neutron-star structure. We assess the impact of precise measurements of the weak-charge form factor of ${}^{48}$Ca and ${}^{208}$Pb on a variety of nuclear observables, such as the neutron skin and the electric-dipole polarizability. We use the nuclear Density Functional Theory with several accurately calibrated non-relativistic and relativistic energy density functionals. To assess the degree of correlation between nuclear observables and to explore systematic and statistical uncertainties on theoretical predictions, we employ the chi-square statistical covariance technique. We find a strong correlation between the weak-charge form factor and the neutron radius, that allows for an accurate determination of the neutron skin of neutron-rich nuclei. We determine the optimal range of the momentum transfer $q$ that maximizes the information content of the measured weak-charge form factor and quantify the uncertainties associated with the strange quark contribution. Moreover, we confirm the role of the electric-dipole polarizability as a strong isovector indicator. Accurate measurements of the weak-charge form factor of ${}^{48}$Ca and ${}^{208}$Pb will have a profound impact on many aspects of nuclear theory and hadronic measurements of neutron skins of exotic nuclei at radioactive-beam facilities.

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arXiv2013

Nuclear Symmetry Energy: constraints from Giant Quadrupole Resonances and Parity Violating Electron Scattering

Experimental and theoretical efforts are being devoted to the study of observables that can shed light on the properties of the nuclear symmetry energy. We present our new results on the excitation energy [X. Roca-Maza et al., Phys. Rev. C 87, 034301 (2013)] and polarizability of the Isovector Giant Quadrupole Resonance (IVGQR), which has been the object of new experimental investigation [S. S. Henshaw et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 107, 222501 (2011)]. We also present our theoretical analysis on the parity violating asymmetry at the kinematics of the Lead Radius Experiment [S. Abrahamyan et al. (PREx Collaboration), Phys. Rev. Lett. 108, 112502 (2012)] and highlight its relation with the density dependence of the symmetry energy [X. Roca-Maza et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 106, 252501 (2011)].

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arXiv2013

Incompressibility of finite fermionic systems: stable and exotic atomic nuclei

The incompressibility of finite fermionic systems is investigated using analytical approaches and microscopic models. The incompressibility of a system is directly linked to the zero-point kinetic energy of constituent fermions, and this is a universal feature of fermionic systems. In the case of atomic nuclei, this implies a constant value of the incompressibility in medium-heavy and heavy nuclei. The evolution of nuclear incompressibility along Sn and Pb isotopic chains is analyzed using global microscopic models, based on both non-relativistic and relativistic energy functionals. The result is an almost constant incompressibility in stable nuclei and systems not far from stability, and a steep decrease in nuclei with pronounced neutron excess, caused by the emergence of a soft monopole mode in neutron-rich nuclei.

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arXiv2013

Giant Quadrupole Resonances in 208Pb, the nuclear symmetry energy and the neutron skin thickness

Recent improvements in the experimental determination of properties of the Isovector Giant Quadrupole Resonance (IVGQR), as demonstrated in the A=208 mass region, may be instrumental for characterizing the isovector channel of the effective nuclear interaction. We analyze properties of the IVGQR in 208Pb, using both macroscopic and microscopic approaches. The microscopic method is based on families of non-relativistic and covariant Energy Density Functionals (EDF), characterized by a systematic variation of isoscalar and isovector properties of the corresponding nuclear matter equations of state. The macroscopic approach yields an explicit dependence of the nuclear symmetry energy at some subsaturation density, for instance S(ρ=0.1 fm^{-3}), or the neutron skin thickness Δr_{np} of a heavy nucleus, on the excitation energies of isoscalar and isovector GQRs. Using available data it is found that S(ρ=0.1 fm{}^{-3})=23.3 +/- 0.6 MeV. Results obtained with the microscopic framework confirm the correlation of the Δr_{np} to the isoscalar and isovector GQR energies, as predicted by the macroscopic model. By exploiting this correlation together with the experimental values for the isoscalar and isovector GQR energies, we estimate Δr_{np} = 0.14 +/- 0.03 fm for 208Pb, and the slope parameter of the symmetry energy: L = 37 +/- 18 MeV.

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arXiv2013

Anti-analog giant dipole resonances and the neutron skin of nuclei

We examine a method to determine the neutron-skin thickness of nuclei using data on the charge-exchange anti-analog giant dipole resonance (AGDR). Calculations performed using the relativistic proton-neutron quasiparticle random-phase approximation (RQRPA) reproduce the isotopic trend of the excitation energies of the AGDR, as well as that of the spin-flip giant dipole resonances (IVSGDR), in comparison to available data for the even-even isotopes 112-124Sn. It is shown that the excitation energies of the AGDR, obtained using a set of density-dependent effective interactions which span a range of the symmetry energy at saturation density, supplemented with the experimental values, provide a stringent constraint on the value of the neutron-skin thickness. For 124Sn, in particular, we determine the value DRpn=0.21(5) fm. The result of the present study shows that a measurement of the excitation energy of the AGDR in (p,n) reactions using rare-isotope beams in inverse kinematics, provides a valuable method for the determination of the neutron-skin thickness in exotic nuclei.

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arXiv2013

Large-scale calculations of supernova neutrino-induced reactions in Z=8-82 target nuclei

Background: In the environment of high neutrino-fluxes provided in core-collapse supernovae or neutron star mergers, neutrino-induced reactions with nuclei contribute to the nucleosynthesis processes. A number of terrestrial neutrino detectors are based on inelastic neutrino-nucleus scattering and modeling of the respective cross sections allow predictions of the expected detector reaction rates. Purpose: To provide a self-consistent microscopic description of neutrino-nucleus cross sections involving a large pool of Z = 8 - 82 nuclei for the implementation in models of nucleosynthesis and neutrino detector simulations. Methods: Self-consistent theory framework based on relativistic nuclear energy density functional is employed to determine the nuclear structure of the initial state and relevant transitions to excited states induced by neutrinos. The weak neutrino-nucleus interaction is employed in the current-current form and a complete set of transition operators is taken into account. Results: We perform large-scale calculations of charged-current neutrino-nucleus cross sections, including those averaged over supernova neutrino fluxes, for the set of even-even target nuclei from oxygen toward lead (Z = 8 - 82), spanning N = 8 - 182 (OPb pool). The model calculations include allowed and forbidden transitions up to J = 5 multipoles. Conclusions: The present analysis shows that the self-consistent calculations result in considerable differences in comparison to previously reported cross sections, and for a large number of target nuclei the cross sections are enhanced. Revision in modeling r-process nucleosynthesis based on a self-consistent description of neutrino-induced reactions would allow an updated insight into the origin of elements in the Universe and it would provide the estimate of uncertainties in the calculated element abundance patterns.

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arXiv2012

Sensitivity of the electric dipole polarizability to the neutron skin thickness in ${}^{208}$Pb

The static dipole polarizability, $α_{\rm D}$, in ${}^{208}$Pb has been recently measured with high-resolution via proton inelastic scattering at the Research Center for Nuclear Physics (RCNP). This observable is thought to be intimately connected with the neutron skin thickness, $r_{\rm skin}$, of the same nucleus and, more fundamentally, it is believed to be associated with the density dependence of the nuclear symmetry energy. The impact of $r_{\rm skin}$ on $α_{\rm D}$ in ${}^{208}$Pb is investigated and discussed on the basis of a large and representative set of relativistic and non-relativistic nuclear energy density functionals (EDF).

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arXiv2012

Neutron-skin thickness from the study of the anti-analog giant dipole resonance

The gamma-decay of the anti-analog of the giant dipole resonance (AGDR) has been measured to the isobaric analog state excited in the p(124Sn,n) reaction at a beam energy of 600 MeV/nucleon. The energy of the transition was also calculated with state-of-the-art self-consistent random-phase approximation (RPA) and turned out to be very sensitive to the neutron-skin thickness (\DeltaR_(pn)). By comparing the theoretical results with the measured one, the \DeltaR_(pn) value for 124Sn was deduced to be 0.175 \pm 0.048 fm, which agrees well with the previous results. The energy of the AGDR measured previously for ^(208)Pb was also used to determine the \DeltaR_(pn) for ^(208)Pb. In this way a very precise \DeltaR_(pn) = 0.181 \pm 0.031 neutron-skin thickness has been obtained for 208Pb. The present method offers new possibilities for measuring the neutron-skin thicknesses of very exotic isotopes.

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arXiv2012

Neutral-current neutrino-nucleus cross sections based on relativistic nuclear energy density functional

Background: Inelastic neutrino-nucleus scattering through the weak neutral-current plays important role in stellar environment where transport of neutrinos determine the rate of cooling. Since there are no direct experimental data on neutral-current neutrino-nucleus cross sections available, only the modeling of these reactions provides the relevant input for supernova simulations. Purpose: To establish fully self-consistent framework for neutral-current neutrino-nucleus reactions based on relativistic nuclear energy density functional. Methods: Neutrino-nucleus cross sections are calculated using weak Hamiltonian and nuclear properties of initial and excited states are obtained with relativistic Hartree-Bogoliubov model and relativistic quasiparticle random phase approximation that is extended to include pion contributions for unnatural parity transitions. Results: Inelastic neutral-current neutrino-nucleus cross sections for 12C, 16O, 56Fe, 56Ni, and even isotopes {92-100}Mo as well as respective cross sections averaged over distribution of supernova neutrinos. Conclusions: The present study provides insight into neutrino-nucleus scattering cross sections in the neutral channel, their theoretical uncertainty in view of recently developed microscopic models, and paves the way for systematic self-consistent large-scale calculations involving open-shell target nuclei.

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arXiv2012

Role of momentum transfer in the quenching of Gamow-Teller strength

The relativistic proton-neutron quasiparticle random phase approximation (pn-RQRPA) is applied in the calculation of the L=0 strength in charge-exchange reactions on $^{48}$Ca, $^{90}$Zr, $^{208}$Pb and nuclei in the Sn isotopic chain. The microscopic theoretical framework is based on the relativistic Hartree-Bogoliubov (RHB) model for the nuclear ground state. The calculation is fully self-consistent, i.e. the same interaction is used both in the RHB equations that determine the quasiparticle basis, and in the matrix equations of the pn-RQRPA. The inclusion of the higher-order terms that include the effect of finite momentum transfer, primarily the isovector spin monopole (IVSM) term, in the transition operator shifts a portion of the strength to the high-energy region above the Gamow-Teller (GT) resonance. The total strength is slightly enhanced in nuclei with small neutron-to-proton ratio but remains unchanged with increasing neutron excess. Based on the strength obtained using the full L=0 transition operator in the pn-RQRPA calculation, we have estimated the impact of the IVSM on the strength measured in the charge-exchagne reactions on $^{90}$Zr and found that the data are consistent with the Ikeda sum rule.

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arXiv2012

Neutrino and antineutrino cross sections in $^{12}$C

We extend the formalism of weak interaction processes, obtaining new expressions for the transition rates, which greatly facilitate numerical calculations, both for neutrino-nucleus reactions and muon capture. We have done a thorough study of exclusive (ground state) properties of $^{12}$B and $^{12}$N within the projected quasiparticle random phase approximation (PQRPA). Good agreement with experimental data is achieved in this way. The inclusive neutrino/antineutrino ($ν/\tildeν$) reactions $^{12}$C($ν,e^-)^{12}$N and $^{12}$C($\tildeν,e^+)^{12}$B are calculated within both the PQRPA, and the relativistic QRPA (RQRPA). It is found that the magnitudes of the resulting cross-sections: i) are close to the sum-rule limit at low energy, but significantly smaller than this limit at high energies both for $ν$ and $\tildeν$, ii) they steadily increase when the size of the configuration space is augmented, and particulary for $ν/\tildeν$ energies $> 200$ MeV, and iii) converge for sufficiently large configuration space and final state spin.

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arXiv2012

Low-energy isovector and isoscalar dipole response in neutron-rich nuclei

The self-consistent random phase approximation (RPA), based on the framework of relativistic energy density functionals, is employed in the study of isovector and isoscalar dipole response in $^{68}$Ni, $^{132}$Sn, and $^{208}$Pb. The evolution of pygmy dipole states (PDS) in the region of low excitation energies is analyzed as a function of the density-dependence of the symmetry energy for a set of relativistic effective interactions. The occurrence of PDS is predicted in the response to both the isovector and isoscalar dipole operators, and its strength is enhanced with the increase of the symmetry energy at saturation and the slope of the symmetry energy. In both channels the PDS exhausts a relatively small fraction of the energy-weighted sum rule but a much larger percentage of the inverse energy-weighted sum rule. For the isovector dipole operator the reduced transition probability $B(E1)$ of the PDS is generally small because of pronounced cancellation of neutron and proton partial contributions. The isoscalar reduced transition amplitude is predominantly determined by neutron particle-hole configurations, most of which add coherently, and this results in a collective response of the PDS to the isoscalar dipole operator.

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arXiv2012

Electric dipole polarizability and the neutron skin

The recent high-resolution measurement of the electric dipole (E1) polarizability (alphad) in 208Pb [Phys. Rev. Lett. 107, 062502 (2011)] provides a unique constraint on the neutron-skin thickness of this nucleus. The neutron-skin thickness (rskin) of 208Pb is a quantity of critical importance for our understanding of a variety of nuclear and astrophysical phenomena. To assess the model dependence of the correlation between alphad and rskin, we carry out systematic calculations for 208Pb, 132Sn, and 48Ca based on the nuclear density functional theory (DFT) using both non-relativistic and relativistic energy density functionals (EDFs). Our analysis indicates that whereas individual models exhibit a linear dependence between alphad and rskin, this correlation is not universal when one combines predictions from a host of different models. By averaging over these model predictions, we provide estimates with associated systematic errors for rskin and alphad for the nuclei under consideration. We conclude that precise measurements of rskin in both 48Ca and 208Pb---combined with the recent measurement of alphad---should significantly constrain the isovector sector of the nuclear energy density functional.

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arXiv2011

Low-energy monopole strength in exotic Nickel isotopes

Low-energy strength is predicted for the isoscalar monopole response of neutron-rich Ni isotopes, in calculations performed using the microscopic Skyrme HF+RPA and relativistic RHB+RQRPA models. Both models, although based on different energy density functionals, predict the occurrence of pronounced monopole states in the energy region between 10 MeV and 15 MeV, well separated from the isoscalar GMR. The analysis of transition densities and corresponding particle-hole configurations shows that these states represent almost pure neutron single hole-particle excitations. Even though their location is not modified with respect to the corresponding unperturbed states, their (Q)RPA strength is considerably enhanced by the residual interaction. The theoretical analysis predicts the gradual enhancement of low-energy monopole strength with neutron excess.

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arXiv2011

Uncertainties in modeling low-energy neutrino induced reactions on iron group nuclei

Charged-current neutrino-nucleus cross sections for 54,56Fe and 58,60Ni are calculated and compared using frameworks based on relativistic and Skyrme energy density functionals, and the shell model. The current theoretical uncertainties in modeling neutrino-nucleus cross sections are assessed in relation to the predicted Gamow-Teller transition strength and available data, multipole decomposition of the cross sections, and cross sections averaged over the Michel flux and Fermi-Dirac distribution. Employing different microscopic approaches and models, the DAR neutrino-56Fe cross section and its theoretical uncertainty are estimated: _th=(258+-57) 10^{-42} cm^2, in very good agreement with the experimental value: _exp=(256+-108+-43) 10^{-42} cm^2.

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arXiv2010

Neutrino and antineutrino charge-exchange reactions on 12C

We extend the formalism of weak interaction processes, obtaining new expressions for the transition rates, which greatly facilitate numerical calculations, both for neutrino-nucleus reactions and muon capture. Explicit violation of CVC hypothesis by the Coulomb field, as well as development of a sum rule approach for the inclusive cross sections have been worked out. We have done a thorough study of exclusive (ground state) properties of $^{12}$B and $^{12}$N within the projected quasiparticle random phase approximation (PQRPA). Good agreement with experimental data achieved in this way put in evidence the limitations of standard RPA and the QRPA models, which come from the inability of the RPA in opening the $p_{3/2}$ shell, and from the non-conservation of the number of particles in the QRPA. The inclusive neutrino/antineutrino ($ν/\tildeν$) reactions $^{12}$C($ν,e^-)^{12}$N and $^{12}$C($\tildeν,e^+)^{12}$B are calculated within both the PQRPA, and the relativistic QRPA (RQRPA). It is found that the magnitudes of the resulting cross-sections: i) are close to the sum-rule limit at low energy, but significantly smaller than this limit at high energies both for $ν$ and $\tildeν$, ii) they steadily increase when the size of the configuration space is augmented, and particulary for $ν/\tildeν$ energies $> 200$ MeV, and iii) converge for sufficiently large configuration space and final state spin. The quasi-elastic $^{12}$C($ν,μ^-)^{12}$N cross section recently measured in the MiniBooNE experiment is briefly discussed. We study the decomposition of the inclusive cross-section based on the degree of forbiddenness of different multipoles. A few words are dedicated to the $ν/\tildeν$-$^{12}$C charge-exchange reactions related with astrophysical applications.

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arXiv2010

The quest for novel modes of excitation in exotic nuclei

This article provides an insight into several open problems in the quest for novel modes of excitation in nuclei with isospin asymmetry, deformation and finite temperature characteristic in stellar environment. Major unsolved problems include the nature of pygmy dipole resonances, the quest for various multipole and spin-isospin excitations both in neutron-rich and proton drip-line nuclei mainly driven by loosely bound nucleons, excitations in unstable deformed nuclei and evolution of their properties with the shape phase transition. Exotic modes of excitation in nuclei at finite temperatures characteristic for supernova evolution present open problems with possible impact in modeling astrophysically relevant weak interaction rates. All these issues challenge self-consistent many body theory frameworks at the frontiers of on-going research, including nuclear energy density functionals, both phenomenological and constrained by the strong interaction physics of QCD, models based on low-momentum two-nucleon interaction V_{low-k} and correlated realistic nucleon-nucleon interaction V_{UCOM}, supplemented by three-body force, as well as two-nucleon and three-nucleon interactions derived from the chiral effective field theory. Joined theoretical and experimental efforts, including research with radioactive isotope beams, are needed to provide insight into dynamical properties of nuclei away from the valley of stability, involving the interplay of isospin asymmetry, deformation and finite temperature.

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arXiv2009

Calculation of stellar electron-capture cross sections on nuclei based on microscopic Skyrme functionals

A fully self-consistent microscopic framework for evaluation of nuclear weak-interaction rates at finite temperature is introduced, based on Skyrme functionals. The single-nucleon basis and the corresponding thermal occupation factors of the initial nuclear state are determined in the finite-temperature Skyrme Hartree-Fock model, and charge-exchange transitions to excited states are computed using the finite-temperature RPA. Effective interactions are implemented self-consistently: both the finite-temperature single-nucleon Hartree-Fock equations and the matrix equations of RPA are based on the same Skyrme energy density functional. Using a representative set of Skyrme functionals, the model is applied in the calculation of stellar electron-capture cross sections for selected nuclei in the iron mass group and for neutron-rich Ge isotopes.

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