Searcharxiv⌕ Search

arXiv subjects

S. M. Wang

Publications and source records attributed to S. M. Wang.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
arXiv2026

Ground State Decay of the Three-Proton Emitter $^{17}$Na Reveals Isospin Symmetry Breaking

The spectrum of the exotic three-proton (3p) emitter $^{17}$Na has been studied by detecting all in-flight decay products. Derived from the measured angular correlations $^{14}$O+p+p+p, a resonant peak has been discovered at the 3p-decay energy of 2.24($^{+0.17}_{-0.25}$) MeV, which likely corresponds to the $^{17}$Na ground state. This decay energy value is significantly smaller than the previous experimental upper limit. Our measured $^{14}$O-p correlations stemming from the ground state decay have been quantitatively described by a sequential 1p-2p emission from a $^{17}$Na resonance via the intermediate $^{16}$Ne ground state, which allowed to derive the upper limit of $^{17}$Na ground-state width of 0.6 MeV. A dramatic systematic decrease in the mirror energy differences of mirror nuclei pairs has been observed at almost all 3p emitters with known proton separation energy (such as $^{31}$K, $^{20}$Al, and $^{17}$Na), in sharp contrast to the behavior in less exotic nuclei. Such a lowering effect indicates a general trend in evolution of nuclear structure for light to medium mass nuclei beyond the proton drip line, which is often associated with strong isospin symmetry breaking.

nucl-ex↗
arXiv2026

Radii of proton emitters

Nuclear radius is a fundamental structural observable that informs many properties of atomic nuclei and nuclear matter. Experimental studies of radii in drip line nuclei are in the forefront of research with radioactive ion beams. Of particular interest are charge radii of proton-unbound nuclei that will soon be approached in laser spectroscopy. In this Letter, using the complex-energy approach and direct time propagation, we investigate the radius of the proton resonance whose size is ill defined in the standard stationary quantum-mechanical description. An early-time plateau is identified during which the radius of the Gamow resonance coincides with the real-energy radius accessible experimentally. We demonstrate a nonmonotonic dependence of the complex radius on decay energy and a local increase of the charge radius across the threshold (a halolike enhancement).

nucl-th↗
arXiv2026

Emergent Bell-Triplet State in Proton-Proton Scattering

Entanglement is a key resource in quantum information science, yet its properties and applications in nuclear systems remain largely unexplored. Here, using proton-proton scattering as a quantum laboratory, we report the emergence of a near-pure Bell-triplet state at a laboratory energy of 151 MeV and a center-of-mass scattering angle of 90 degrees. In this unique kinematic regime, the scattering amplitude functions as a transition operator connecting distinct Bell states. Building upon this emergent resource, we propose a quantum teleportation protocol for proton spins, exploiting the intrinsic Hamiltonian of the strong interaction to perform the requisite Bell measurement. These findings effectively bridge few-body nuclear physics and quantum technology, establishing proton-proton scattering as both a source of high-fidelity entanglement and a natural processor for quantum information.

nucl-th↗
arXiv2026

Three-body Effect in Short-range Correlations

Short-range correlations (SRCs) provide the link between low- and high-energy nuclear physics and can be quantified by two-nucleon densities. We present calculations of the two-nucleon densities using free-space similarity renormalization group (SRG)-evolved operators and in-medium SRG (IMSRG) ground states with softend chiral interaction. Our calculations benchmark well against no-core shell model (NCSM) results with unevolved oparetors and Hamiltonians in $^4\mathrm{He}$. We explicitly include the induced three-body (3b) density operators for the first time which, together with the 3b Hamiltonians, provide the full 3b effects. We show pronounced 3b effects in the $^{16}\mathrm{O}$ two-nucleon densities. Combined with valence-space IMSRG (VS-IMSRG) method, we extend the calculation to the oxygen isotopic chain. This approach enables a consistent \textit{ab initio} description of low-energy properties and SRCs within one framework and offers predictions for the upcoming SRC measurements in unstable nuclei.

nucl-th↗
arXiv2026

Structure evolution of ground and excited states in the exotic nucleus $^{22}$Al

Recent experimental studies on proton-rich nuclei in the $sd$ shell have revealed intriguing near-threshold phenomena, including exotic structures associated with mirror-symmetry breaking. In particular, a halo-like structure has been suggested for the $1^+$ state of $^{22}$Al based on the large isospin asymmetry observed in the $^{22}$Si/$^{22}$O mirror Gamow-Teller transitions. Recent mass measurements further indicate that the ground state of $^{22}$Al is weakly bound, with a single-proton separation energy of about 100 keV. To investigate how the continuum affects the structure and decay properties of this proton-dripline nucleus, we employ the state-of-the-art Gamow shell model. This approach utilizes valence-space effective interactions and operators derived from chiral forces. Our calculations identify the ground state of $^{22}$Al as a $4^+$ state, with a $3^+$ state as the first excitation. Despite their diffuse nature under weak binding, the Thomas-Ehrman shift for these states is found to be negligible due to their small $s$-wave components. In contrast, the excited $1_1^+$ state possesses a significantly larger $s$-wave component, resulting in a more pronounced halo-like structure.

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

Puzzling $B(E2;0^+\rightarrow 2^+)$ strength in the proton dripline nucleus $^{36}$Ca

Recent measurements of the $E2$ transition rate from the ground state to the first 2$^+$ excited state of the proton dripline nucleus $^{36}$Ca show an unusual pattern when compared to its isotopic neighbor $^{38}$Ca: despite having a higher $E_x(2_1^+)$ excitation energy, the $B(E2; 0^+_1\rightarrow 2^+_1)$ rate in $^{36}$Ca is larger. The question that naturally arises is to what extent this observation can be attributed to the unbound character of the $2^+_1$ state. To understand the influence of the continuum space on the low-energy properties of $^{36}$Ca, we carried out Gamow shell model calculations that can account for the continuum coupling effects associated with the occupation of unbound $fp$ shells. We found that in the threshold $2^+$ state, $^{36}$Ca is spatially diffused, which impacts the observed $B(E2)$ trend.

nucl-th↗
arXiv2025

Two-proton correlations in the decay of 48Ni and 45Fe

The main observables of the rare two-proton emission process - half-life, total energy of the decay as well as energy and angular correlations between the emitted protons - have been measured for 48Ni and 45Fe in a recent experiment performed at the GANIL/LISE3 facility. The results, together with previous experimental work, are compared for the first time with calculations performed in the recently developed Gamow Coupled-Channel (GCC) framework and to 3-body predictions from literature. The comparison of the 48Ni and the 45Fe two-proton angular distributions with the GCC calculations confirms the adopted strength of the proton-proton interaction for both nuclei and the predominant small-angle emission. A comparison with 3-body model angular distributions indicates the shell closure of the f_7/2 orbital for 48Ni and a substantial occupancy of the p-orbital for 45Fe. Discrepancies between experimental data and theoretical predictions are found when studying the other observables: half-lives, total energy of the decay and energy correlations, showing the complexity of the description of the two-proton emission process.

nucl-ex↗
arXiv2025

Exploring the possible two-proton radioactivity of $^{38,39}$Ti

Two-proton (2$p$) radioactivity represents a rare decay mode that has been experimentally observed only in a selected few nuclei. The exploration of 2$p$ emission is crucial for elucidating the structure, mass, and nucleon-nucleon interactions within exotic proton-rich nuclei. $^{39}$Ti has long been postulated as a potential candidate for 2$p$ emission; however, experimental investigations have yet to confirm its 2$p$ decay. To provide more accurate information for further studies, we utilize the Gamow shell model (GSM) and the Gamow coupled channel (GCC) method to analyze the prospective 2$p$ radioactivity of isotopes $^{38,39}$Ti. Our calculations suggest that $^{39}$Ti is indeed a viable candidate for 2$p$ emission. Notably, the estimated partial 2$p$ decay width for $^{39}$Ti, predicted from the three-body GCC method, suggests that its 2$p$ decay could rival its $β$ decay in likelihood, although this is highly dependent on the specific 2$p$ decay energy. Additionally, our analysis indicates a propensity for pairing between the valence protons in $^{39}$Ti. A similar investigative approach reveals that $^{38}$Ti exhibits a higher 2$p$ decay energy and a broader decay width than $^{39}$Ti, positioning it as a more promising candidate for 2$p$ decay.

nucl-th↗
arXiv2025

Near-threshold dipole strength in {^{10}}Be with isoscalar character

Isoscalar dipole transitions are a distinctive fingerprint of cluster structures. A {1^-} resonance at 7.27(10) MeV, located just below the α-emission threshold, has been observed in the deuteron inelastic scattering reactions off 10Be. The deformation lengths of the excited states in 10Be below 9 MeV have been inferred from the differential cross sections using coupled channel calculations. This observed {1^-} resonance has isoscalar characteristics and exhausts approximately 5{\%}-15{\%} of the isoscalar dipole energy-weighted sum rule, providing evidence for pronounced α cluster structure in 10Be. The Gamow coupled channel approach supports this interpretation and suggests the near-threshold effect might be playing an important role in this excitation energy domain. The α+α+n+n four-body calculation reproduces the observed enhanced dipole strength, implying that the four-body cluster structure is essential to describe the {1^-} states in 10Be.

nucl-ex↗
arXiv2024

Mirror Symmetry Breaking Disclosed in the Decay of Three-Proton Emitter 20Al

The previously-unknown nucleus 20Al has been observed for the first time by detecting its in-flight decays. Tracking trajectories of all decay products with silicon micro-strip detectors allowed for a conclusion that 20Al is unbound with respect to three-proton (3p) emission. The 3p-decay energy of 20Al ground state has been determined to be 1.93(+0.11,-0.09) MeV through a detailed study of angular correlations of its decay products, 17Ne+p+p+p. This value is much smaller in comparison with the predictions inferred from the isospin symmetry by using the known energy of its mirror nucleus 20N, which indicates a possible mirror symmetry violation in the structure of 3p emitters. Such an isospin symmetry breaking is supported by the calculations of the continuum embedded theoretical frameworks, describing the observed 20Al ground state as an 1p s-wave state with a spin-parity of 1-, which contradicts to the spin-parity (2-) of the 20N ground state. The 20Al ground state decays by sequential 1p-2p emission via intermediate ground state of 19Mg, which is the first observed case of daughter two-proton radioactivity following 1p decay of the parent state.

nucl-ex↗
arXiv2024

Reduced Basis Method for Few-body Bound State Emulation

Recent advances in both theoretical and computational methods have enabled large-scale, precision calculations of the properties of atomic nuclei. With the growing complexity of modern nuclear theory, however, also comes the need for novel methods to perform systematic studies and quantify the uncertainties of models when confronted with experimental data. This study presents an application of such an approach, the reduced basis method, to substantially lower computational costs by constructing a significantly smaller Hamiltonian subspace informed by previous solutions. Our method shows comparable efficiency and accuracy to other dimensionality reduction techniques on an artificial three-body bound system while providing a richer representation of physical information in its projection and training subspace. This methodological advancement can be applied in other contexts and has the potential to greatly improve our ability to systematically explore theoretical models and thus enhance our understanding of the fundamental properties of nuclear systems.

nucl-th↗
arXiv2023

Strong evidence for 9N and the limits of existence of atomic nuclei

The boundaries of the Chart of Nuclides contain exotic isotopes that possess extreme proton-toneutron asymmetries. Here we report on strong evidence of 9N, one of the most exotic proton-rich isotopes where more than one half of its constitute nucleons are unbound. With seven protons and two neutrons, this extremely proton-rich system would represent the first-known example of a ground-state five-proton emitter. The invariant-mass spectrum of its decay products can be fit with two peaks whose energies are consistent with the theoretical predictions of an open-quantum-system approach, however we cannot rule out the possibility that only a single resonance-like peak is present in the spectrum.

nucl-ex↗
arXiv2023

Probing the Non-exponential Decay Regime in Open Quantum Systems

The most important law of radioactivity is that of the exponential decay. In the realm of quantum mechanics, however, this decay law is neither rigorous nor fundamental. The deviations from the exponential decay have been observed experimentally at the early stage of a decay process, but there is little evidence for non-exponential behavior at long times. Yet such long-term non-exponentiality is expected theoretically to probe the non-resonant background components of the initial wave function which preserve the structural interference and the memory of how the state was created. In this paper, we propose new observables that can be used for experimental investigations of the post-exponential decay regime, including the decay of threshold resonances, particle correlations in three-body decays, and interference between near-lying resonances. While the specific examples presented in this work pertain to atomic nuclei, the properties of non-exponential decay are generic, i.e., they apply to other many-body open quantum systems, such as hadrons, atoms, molecules, and nanostructures.

nucl-th↗
arXiv2023

Magnetic phase diagrams and large magnetocaloric effects of the two-dimensional antiferromagnetic triangular lattice of Gd$^{3+}$ ions in KBaGd(BO$_3$)$_2$

We report a detailed study of the magnetic properties of KBaGd(BO$_3$)$_2$, in which magnetic Gd$^{3+}$ ($S=7/2$) ions form into two-dimensional triangular layers. Magnetization, specific heat and magnetocaloric effect (MCE) measurements have been performed on KBaGd(BO$_3$)$_2$ single crystals. The results show that a long-range antiferromagnetic state is established below $T_{\rm N}=0.24$ K. In zero fields, only about half of the full entropy is released at $T_{\rm N}$, indicating that not all the magnetic moments are frozen below the ordering temperature, as expected from the geometrical frustration of the triangular spin lattice. Further studies under external fields were performed down to 50 mK, and the magnetic phase diagrams are established with magnetic fields applied both within and perpendicular to the triangular plane. KBaGd(BO$_3$)$_2$ serves as an example of a two-dimensional triangular lattice with large spin values ($S=7/2$) and can be directly compared with the iso-structure KBaR(BO$_3$)$_2$ (R = Dy-Yb) family of doublet ground states, which exhibit effective spins of $S=1/2$.

cond-mat.str-el↗
arXiv2023

Antiferromagnetism and Ising Ground States in the Rare-earth Garnet Nd$_3$Ga$_5$O$_{12}$

In this paper, we investigate the low temperature magnetic properties of the rare-earth garnet compound Nd$_3$Ga$_5$O$_{12}$ in detail by means of magnetization, specific heat and magnetocaloric effect measurements. The magnetic thermal properties along with the crystal field calculations reveal that the Nd$^{3+}$ ions form into a frustrated hyper-kagome lattice with connected triangles have an Ising-like ground state with the easy axis along the local [100], [010] and [001] directions. Instead of a quantum spin liquid ground state, an antiferromagnetically ordered state is found below $T_{\mathrm{N}}=0.52~\rm K$. With applying field in the [111] direction, the antiferromagnetic order is suppressed at the critical field of $B_{\mathrm{c}}=0.75~\rm T$, and enhancement of the critical fluctuations with linear crossover behaviors is observed near the critical point.

cond-mat.str-el↗
arXiv2023

Successive magnetic orderings in the Ising spin chain magnet DyNi$_5$Ge$_3$

In this report, we investigated a new rare earth based one-dimensional Ising spin chain magnet~\DNG~by means of magnetization, specific heat and powder neutron diffraction measurements. Due to the crystalline electrical field splitting, the magnetic Dy ions share an Ising like ground doublet state. Owning to the local point symmetry, these Ising moments form into two canted magnetic sublattices, which were further confirmed by the angle-dependent magnetization measurement. In zero fields, two successive antiferromagnetic phase transitions were found at temperatures $T_{\mathrm{N1}}=6~\rm K$ and $T_{\mathrm{N2}}=5~\rm K$, respectively. Only part of the moments are statically ordered in this intermediate state between $T_{\mathrm{N1}}$ and $T_{\mathrm{N2}}$. Powder neutron diffraction experiments at different temperatures were performed as well. An incommensurate magnetic propagation vector of $\mathbf{k_{\rm m}}=(0.5,0.4,0.5)$ was identified. The refined spin configurations through the irreducible representation analysis confirmed that these Ising spins are canted in the crystal $ab$~plane.

cond-mat.str-el↗
arXiv2022

Interplay of itinerant electrons and Ising moments in a hybrid honeycomb quantum magnet TmNi$_3$Al$_9$

The interplay between itinerant electrons and local magnetic moments in quantum materials brings about rich and fascinating phenomena and stimulates various developments in the theoretical framework. In this work, thermodynamic, electric transport, and neutron diffraction measurements were performed on a newly synthesized honeycomb lattice magnet TmNi$_3$Al$_9$. Based on the experimental data, a magnetic field temperature phase diagram was constructed, exhibiting three essentially different magnetic regions. Below ${T_{\rm N}=2.97 \pm 0.02}\ \rm K$ Tm$^{3+}$ moments order antiferromagnetically in zero field. We found that the Tm$^{3+}$ ions form a pseudo-doublet ground state with the Ising-like moments lying normal to the two-dimensional honeycomb layers. Application of a magnetic field along the easy axis gradually suppresses the antiferromagnetic order in favor of an induced ferromagnetic state above the critical field ${B_c=0.92 \pm 0.05}\ \rm T$. In the vicinity of $B_c$, a strong enhancement of the quantum spin fluctuations was observed. The quantum Ising nature of the local moments and the coupling to itinerant electrons are discussed.

cond-mat.str-el↗