arXiv subjects

Shan-Gui Zhou

Publications and source records attributed to Shan-Gui Zhou.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Hyperfine-resolved laser excitation and detection of nuclear isomer in trapped $^{229}$Th$^{3+}$ ions

We present a comprehensive theoretical investigation of hyperfine-resolved excitation and detection of the low-energy isomeric state of $^{229}$Th in trapped $^{229}\mathrm{Th}^{3+}$ ions. Using a quantum master equation approach, we quantitatively analyze the dependence of the isomeric population on laser linewidth, detuning, and irradiation time, showing that their proper matching is essential for efficient excitation. Going beyond earlier conceptual discussions of electronic-fluorescence-based nuclear-state detection, we propose two concrete nuclear-state detection schemes based on three hyperfine-resolved electronic fluorescence channels at 690, 984, and 1088 nm. Our quantitative analysis shows that, for 50 ions, the 690- and 984-nm scheme yields detectable photon count rates on the order of $10^3~\mathrm{s}^{-1}$ at 690 nm and $10^4~\mathrm{s}^{-1}$ at 984 nm, whereas the 1088-nm scheme achieves a detectable photon rate on the order of $10^3~\mathrm{s}^{-1}$. By quantifying the trade-off between irradiation time and scan-step size, we show that the nuclear transition can be located within one month for a 100-MHz uncertainty using currently available vacuum-ultraviolet laser technology. These results provide practical guidance for trapped-ion $^{229}\mathrm{Th}$ spectroscopy and the development of nuclear clocks.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2026

Microscopic Statistical Calculation of Nuclear Level Density Based on Relativistic Density Functional Theory

A microscopic statistical model based on the relativistic density functional theory (RDFT) is developed to calculate the nuclear level density (NLD). The approach employs self-consistent single-particle levels obtained from RDFT as input, incorporates pairing correlations within a finite-temperature Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer (BCS) theory, and accounts for rotational and vibrational collective enhancement effects. The spin cut-off parameter is calculated from the single-particle levels, thereby naturally retaining the shell effects and the structural characteristics of different nuclei. Using the shape-coexisting nucleus 98Sr as a representative example, the microscopic origin of the deformation effect on the NLD is investigated. In addition, the calculated NLDs are systematically compared with those from various phenomenological and microscopic models, as well as with available experimental data. The results indicate that although certain discrepancies exist among different models, they exhibit consistent overall evolutionary trends. Meanwhile, the RDFT-based microscopic statistical approach is capable of providing a reasonable description of the experimental NLDs as well as the s- and p-wave neutron resonance spacings.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2026

The $^{229}$Th Isomer: Nuclear Structure, Clocks, and Tests of Fundamental Physics

The $^{229}$Th nucleus possesses an isomeric state at an excitation energy of $\sim 8$ eV, the lowest known nuclear transition energy, placing its frequency in the vacuum-ultraviolet range and making it directly accessible to laser spectroscopy. In this review, we discuss the $^{229}$Th isomer from three connected perspectives: experimental spectroscopy and clock development, nuclear structure theory, and applications to precision tests of fundamental physics. We first trace the experimental progress from indirect $γ$-ray energy inference to resonant laser excitation, absolute frequency comparison with an atomic clock, and feedback-loop operation of a solid-state nuclear clock, and discuss trapped-ion, highly charged ion, and solid-state platforms together with mechanisms for nuclear-state manipulation and readout. We then review, from the nuclear-structure perspective, how the near-degeneracy of the $5/2^+[633]$ and $3/2^+[631]$ neutron Nilsson configurations, together with Coriolis mixing and octupole correlations, underlies the anomalously low transition energy and its electromagnetic properties. Comparisons among different phenomenological and microscopic models show that octupole correlations are a common structural ingredient, while magnetic moments and transition strengths remain sensitive tests of the calculated wave functions. Finally, we discuss how the near-cancellation of MeV-scale nuclear contributions into an eV-scale transition can enhance sensitivity to variations of fundamental constants, signatures of ultralight dark matter, CP-violating interactions, Lorentz-invariance violation, and possible nuclear quantum technologies.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2026

Deformed neutron halo nuclei and soft dipole excitations in the 40<A<90 mass region

We study deformed neutron halo nuclei in the mass region $40 < A < 90$ and their soft electric dipole ($E1$) excitations based on the deformed relativistic Hartree-Bogoliubov theory in continuum (DRHBc). Three candidates, $^{43}$Si, $^{69}$Ti, and $^{75}$Cr, are selected for detailed analysis. Unique features are identified in the decoupled densities of possible $s$- and $p$-wave deformed halo nuclei in this mass region, which are influenced by large high-$l$ configurations. It is shown that the dipole response is a highly sensitive observable to detect the halo component of the single-particle wave function in deformed halo nucleus, and it helps identify the configuration and the magnitude of deformation for halo nuclei in the $40 < A < 90$ mass region. Experimental confirmation of the dipole strength in the low-energy region is highly desirable to explore possible deformed halo candidates in the medium-heavy mass region.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2026

A Halo: The Trigger to a New Era of Nuclear Correlations

In this contribution to the Halo-40 Proceedings, we discuss two topics regarding halo phenomena: The first is the pairing anti-halo effect on the neutron radius of halo nuclei and its restoration due to the coupling to the continuum; the second is the soft dipole excitation of deformed halo nuclei. We demonstrate the importance of Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov and the relativistic Hartree-Bogoliubov theory in continuum for properly taking into account the halo nature of extended wave functions in calculations of neutron radii, as well as the soft dipole excitations of halo nuclei. It was shown that the anti-halo effect is very sensitive to the continuum coupling induced by Bogoliubov-type quasi-particles, which largely cancels the anti-halo effect on the neutron radius. The soft dipole excitations of deformed halo nuclei Ne-31 and Mg-37 are discussed within the deformed Woods-Saxon model. We point out that the sharp peak just above the threshold in the dipole response is created by the halo effect, and its strength can be used to identify the magnitude of deformation and the halo configuration in the Nilsson level scheme.

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arXiv2025

Octupole correlations in $^{220,222,224,226}$Rn

The octupole correlations in $^{220,222,224,226}$Rn are investigated by using multi-dimensionally constrained covariant density functional theory. The ground-state properties and potential energy surfaces are analyzed, revealing that octupole deformation appears in $^{222,224}$Rn, but not in $^{220,226}$Rn. The relationship between pairing correlations and octupole deformation is examined, showing that the neutron pairing energy decreases as octupole deformation develops, whereas the proton pairing energy shows the opposite behavior. The microscopic origin of octupole correlations in these radon isotopes are explored based on an examination of the single-particle levels near the Fermi surface and a schematic two-level model. Experiments have indicated that these isotopes undergo octupole vibrations and the present prediction of octupole deformation in $^{222,224}$Rn awaits further confirmation.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2025

Dense Matter in Neutron Stars with eXTP

In this White Paper, we present the potential of the enhanced X-ray Timing and Polarimetry (eXTP) mission to constrain the equation of state of dense matter in neutron stars, exploring regimes not directly accessible to terrestrial experiments. By observing a diverse population of neutron stars - including isolated objects, X-ray bursters, and accreting systems - eXTP's unique combination of timing, spectroscopy, and polarimetry enables high-precision measurements of compactness, spin, surface temperature, polarimetric signals, and timing irregularity. These multifaceted observations, combined with advances in theoretical modeling, pave the way toward a comprehensive description of the properties and phases of dense matter from the crust to the core of neutron stars. Under development by an international Consortium led by the Institute of High Energy Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the eXTP mission is planned to be launched in early 2030.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2025

Octupole correlations in superdeformed bands of $^{56}$Ni

The projected multi-dimensionally-constrained relativistic Hartree-Bogoliubov model was employed to calculate the potential energy surface of the high-spin states in $^{56}\text{Ni}$. It is pointed out for the first time that possible octupole deformations exist for the positive and negative parity superdeformed bands in $^{56}\text{Ni}$, with deformations $β_{30}\sim0.14$ and $β_{30}\sim0.24$, respectively, along with a large prolate deformation of $β_{20}\sim 0.42$. These octupole deformations are induced by the coupling between $2p_{3/2}$ and $1g_{9/2}$ orbits at the deformation $β_{20}\sim 0.4$. The calculated excitation energies of the two rotational bands are consistent with the observed superdeformed bands of $^{56}\text{Ni}$. In addition, two rotational bands are predicted, consisting of one superdeformed band with negative parity and one hyperdeformed bands with positive parity.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2024

Dipole response of deformed halo nuclei $^{31}$Ne and $^{37}$Mg

We study the soft electric dipole ($E1$) response of deformed halo nuclei $^{31}$Ne and $^{37}$Mg using a deformed Woods-Saxon potential, with the potential depth adjusted to reproduce empirical separation energy of last neutron orbit, i.e., 150 keV for $^{31}$Ne and 220 keV for $^{37}$Mg. The configuration dependence of the $E1$ strength near the neutron threshold is pointed out. The halo configurations $[321]3/2$ at $β_2=0.5$ and $[330]1/2$ at $β_2=0.24$ in $^{31}$Ne contain large amplitudes of halo $p$-shell orbits, which significantly enhance the threshold strength by several times compared to the non-halo configuration $[202]5/2$ at $β_2=0.32$. In $^{37}$Mg, the last neutron configuration is assigned as $[321]1/2$ at a large deformation of $β_2=0.46$, which involves a halo $p$-shell configuration that significantly enhances the soft dipole strength. This enhancement is about 60\% larger than that of the $[321]3/2$ configuration in $^{31}$Ne because of large $p$-shell probability in $^{37}$Mg. Experimental confirmation of the soft dipole strength is highly desired to determine the deformation and the configuration of the last neutron orbits both in $^{31}$Ne and $^{37}$Mg.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2024

Nuclear mass table in deformed relativistic Hartree-Bogoliubov theory in continuum, II: Even-$Z$ nuclei

The mass table in the deformed relativistic Hartree-Bogoliubov theory in continuum (DRHBc) with the PC-PK1 density functional has been established for even-$Z$ nuclei with $8\le Z\le120$, extended from the previous work for even-even nuclei [Zhang $\it{et.~al.}$ (DRHBc Mass Table Collaboration), At. Data Nucl. Data Tables 144, 101488 (2022)]. The calculated binding energies, two-nucleon and one-neutron separation energies, root-mean-square (rms) radii of neutron, proton, matter, and charge distributions, quadrupole deformations, and neutron and proton Fermi surfaces are tabulated and compared with available experimental data. A total of 4829 even-$Z$ nuclei are predicted to be bound, with an rms deviation of 1.477 MeV from the 1244 mass data. Good agreement with the available experimental odd-even mass differences, $α$ decay energies, and charge radii is also achieved. The description accuracy for nuclear masses and nucleon separation energies as well as the prediction for drip lines is compared with the results obtained from other relativistic and nonrelativistic density functional. The comparison shows that the DRHBc theory with PC-PK1 provides an excellent microscopic description for the masses of even-$Z$ nuclei. The systematics of the nucleon separation energies, odd-even mass differences, pairing energies, two-nucleon gaps, $α$ decay energies, rms radii, quadrupole deformations, potential energy curves, neutron density distributions, and neutron mean-field potentials are discussed.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2023

The hyperon superfluidity and the hyperon couplings in neutron stars within the relativistic mean field model

A systematic study of the effects of hyperon couplings on hyperon superfluidity is conducted by using the relativistic mean field model. Combining the slope of symmetry energy, the hyperon couplings are determined in two ways -- by the hypernuclear potentials or under the SU(3) symmetry. In either way, the hyperon coupling constants cannot be fixed uniquely but vary within a certain range due to the uncertainties in hypernuclear potentials or the breaking of SU(6) to SU(3) symmetry. When the coupling constants are constrained by the hypernuclear potentials, the pairings of $Λ$ and $Ξ^{0,-}$ are strong and they each show little variations. The pairing of $Σ^-$ is more sensitive to hyperon potentials and the slope of symmetry energy. Under the SU(3) symmetry, the superfluidity of various hyperons differ significantly. The dependence of the pairings of $Λ$ and $Ξ^{0,-}$ on the additional parameters of SU(3) symmetry are the opposite to that of the maximum mass of neutron stars on the additional parameters of SU(3) symmetry, while the pairing of $Σ^-$ shows a similar trend in general. These results suggest that the hyperon superfluidity associated with astrophysical processes is an essential window to probe the physics of neutron star cores, the hyperon-hyperon interactions and the SU(3) symmetry. Compared with other hyperons, $Σ^-$ could serve as a cleaner glass for this purpose.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2023

Deformed relativistic Hartree-Bogoliubov theory in continuum with a point-coupling functional. II. Examples of odd Nd isotopes

The aim of this work is to extend the deformed relativistic Hartree-Bogoliubov theory in continuum (DRHBc) based on the point-coupling density functionals to odd-$A$ and odd-odd nuclei and examine its applicability by taking odd-$A$ Nd isotopes as examples. In the DRHBc theory, the densities and potentials with axial deformation are expanded in terms of Legendre polynomials, and the relativistic Hartree-Bogoliubov equations are solved in a Dirac Woods-Saxon basis to include the continuum effects. For an odd-$A$ or odd-odd nucleus, the blocking effect of unpaired nucleon(s) is taken into account with the equal filling approximation. To determine its ground state, an automatic blocking procedure is adopted, in which the orbital with the lowest quasiparticle energy is blocked during the iteration. This procedure is justified by comparing with the results from the orbital-fixed blocking calculations, in which the blocked orbital near the Fermi surface is fixed during the iteration. The ground states for both light and heavy nuclei can be provided by the automatic blocking procedure as the orbital-fixed blocking procedure, but with considerably reduced computational cost. The numerical details for even-even nuclei are found to be valid for odd-$A$ and odd-odd nuclei as well. Taking Nd isotopes including both even-even and odd-$A$ ones as examples, the calculated ground-state properties with PC-PK1 are in good agreement with the available experimental data. This work paves the way to construct the DRHBc mass table including all even-even, odd-$A$ and odd-odd nuclei in the nuclear chart.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2023

Examination of promising reactions with $^{241}$Am and $^{244}$Cm targets for the synthesis of new superheavy elements within the dinuclear system model with a dynamical potential energy surface

Two actinide isotopes, $^{241}$Am and $^{244}$Cm, produced and chemically purified by the HFIR/REDC complex at ORNL are candidates for target materials of heavy-ion fusion reaction experiments for the synthesis of new superheavy elements (SHEs) with $Z>118$. In the framework of the dinuclear system model with a dynamical potential energy surface (DNS-DyPES model), we systematically study the $^{48}$Ca-induced reactions that have been applied to synthesize SHEs with $Z=112$--118, as well as the hot-fusion reactions with $^{241}$Am and $^{244}$Cm as targets which are promising for synthesizing new SHEs with $Z=119$--122. Detailed results including the maximal evaporation residue cross section and the optimal incident energy for each reaction are presented and discussed.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2023

Ground state and fission properties of even-$A$ uranium isotopes from multidimensionally-constrained relativistic mean field model

The multidimensionally-constrained covariant density functional theories (MDC-CDFTs) have been developed to study the influence of octupole and triaxial deformations on the ground state and fission properties. In this paper, we present a brief review of the applications of MDC-CDFTs and discuss the results of a systematical study of even-$A$ uranium isotopes with the MDC-RMF model which is one of MDC-CDFTs with pairing correlations treated by using the BCS approach. We examine in detail the two-dimensional potential energy surfaces $E(β_{20},β_{30})$ of these U isotopes and discuss the ground state and fission properties as well as third and fourth minima on the potential energy surfaces. The emphasis is put on the effects of octupole and triaxial deformations.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2022

Models for Pairing Phenomena

Pairing effects manifests themselves in many aspects in nuclear systems ranging from finite nuclei to nuclear matter and compact stars. Although with some specific features for nuclear systems, the mechanism of pairing between nucleons in these systems resembles that of electrons in superconductors. The Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer (BCS) theory, the first successful and microscopic theory for superconductivity, and the Bogoliubov transformation, the generalization of the BCS theory, have been widely used to describe pairing correlations in nuclear systems. To deal with the problem of particle number non-conservation in the BCS method and generalized Bogoliubov transformation, particle number projection techniques as well as several approaches which keep the particle number conserved, have been proposed. In the study of exotic nuclei, which are quantum open systems, the continuum contributions have to be taken into account. In this chapter, a thorough but brief discussion of pairing effects in nuclear systems will be introduced. Then nuclear models dealing with pairing correlations in nuclear structure properties will be presented to different extent of details. Although formulas are given, the emphasis is mainly put on the basic ideas concerning these models.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2022

Nuclear mass table in deformed relativistic Hartree-Bogoliubov theory in continuum: I. even-even nuclei

Ground-state properties of even-even nuclei with $8\le Z\le120$ from the proton drip line to the neutron drip line have been investigated using the deformed relativistic Hartree-Bogoliubov theory in continuum (DRHBc) with the density functional PC-PK1. With the effects of deformation and continuum included simultaneously, 2583 even-even nuclei are predicted to be bound. The calculated binding energies, two-nucleon separation energies, root-mean-square (rms) radii of neutron, proton, matter, and charge distributions, quadrupole deformations, and neutron and proton Fermi surfaces are tabulated and compared with available experimental data. The rms deviation from the 637 mass data is 1.518 MeV, providing one of the best microscopic descriptions for nuclear masses. The drip lines obtained from DRHBc calculations are compared with other calculations, including the spherical relativistic continuum Hartree-Bogoliubov (RCHB) and triaxial relativistic Hartree-Bogoliubov (TRHB) calculations with PC-PK1. The deformation and continuum effects on the limits of the nuclear landscape are discussed. Possible peninsulas consisting of bound nuclei beyond the two-neutron drip line are predicted. The systematics of the two-nucleon separation energies, two-nucleon gaps, rms radii, quadrupole deformations, potential energy curves, neutron densities, neutron mean-field potentials, and pairing energies in the DRHBc calculations are also discussed. In addition, the $α$ decay energies extracted are in good agreement with available data.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2021

Microscopic study of higher-order deformation effects on the ground states of superheavy nuclei around $^{270}$Hs

We study the effects of higher-order deformations $β_λ$ ($λ=4,6,8,$ and $10$) on the ground state properties of superheavy nuclei (SHN) near the doubly magic deformed nucleus $^{270}$Hs by using the multidimensionally-constrained (MDC) relativistic mean-field (RMF) model with five effective interactions PC-PK1, PK1, NL3$^{*}$, DD-ME2, and PKDD. The doubly magic properties of $^{270}$Hs are featured by the large energy gaps at $N=162$ and $Z=108$ in the single-particle spectra. By investigating the binding energies and single-particle levels of $^{270}$Hs in multidimensional deformation space, we find that the deformation $β_6$ has the greatest impact on the binding energy among these higher-order deformations and influences the shell gaps considerably. Similar conclusions hold for other SHN near $^{270}$Hs. Our calculations demonstrate that the deformation $β_6$ must be considered when studying SHN by using MDC-RMF.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2021

Effects of $ϕ$-meson on properties of hyperon stars in density dependent relativistic mean field model

The effects of $ϕ$-meson on properties of hyperon stars are studied systematically in the framework of the density dependent relativistic mean field (DDRMF) model. The $ϕ$-meson shifts hyperon threshold to a higher density and reduces the hyperon fractions in neutron star cores. It also strongly stiffens the equation of state (EoS) calculated with various DDRMF effective interactions and increases the maximum mass of hyperon stars, but only a few effective interactions survive under the constraints from recent astrophysical observations. In the DDRMF model, the conformal limit of sound velocity is still in a strong tension with the fact that the maximum mass of neutron stars obtained in theoretical calculations reaches about two solar masses. Based on different interior composition assumptions, we discuss the possibility of the secondary object of GW190814 as a neutron star. When $ϕ$-meson is considered, DD-ME2 and DD-MEX support that the secondary object of GW190814 is a hyperon star rapidly rotating with Kepler frequency.

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