Effects of rotation and valence nucleons in molecular-like $\alpha$-chain nuclei

Abstract

Effects of rotation and valence nucleons in molecular-like linear $\alpha$-chain nuclei are analyzed using a three-dimensional lattice cranking model based on covariant density functional theory. The structure of ${}^{16}$C and ${}^{16}$Ne is investigated as a function of rotational frequency. The valence nucleons, with respect to the 3$\alpha$ linear chain core of ${}^{12}$C, at low frequency occupy the $\pi$ molecular orbital. With increasing rotational frequency these nucleons transition from the $\pi$ orbital to the $\sigma$ molecular orbital, thus stabilizing the 3$\alpha$ linear chain structure. It is predicted that the valence protons in ${}^{16}$Ne change occupation from the $\pi$ to the $\sigma$ molecular orbital at $\hslash \omega \approx 1.3$ MeV, a lower rotational frequency compared to $\hslash \omega \approx 1.7$ MeV for the valence neutrons in ${}^{16}$C. The same effects of valence protons are found in ${}^{20}$Mg, compared to the four valence neutrons in ${}^{20}$O. The model is also used to examine the effect of alignment of valence nucleons on the relative positions and size of the three $\alpha$-clusters in ${}^{16}$C and ${}^{16}$Ne.

20 pages, 9 figures

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• Exact-exchange relativistic density functional theory in three-dimensional coordinate space
• Mass Probe of Tetrahedral Symmetry in Atomic Nuclei