The emergence of deformation and rotational states in the many-nucleon quantum theory of nuclei. (14th January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rowe, D J
• Is Part Of: Journal of physics. Volume 43:Number 2(2016:Feb.)
• Publication Date: 2016-01-14
• Subjects: shape coexistence -- emergence of nuclear collective states -- symplectic model -- many-nucleon model of the nucleus -- coupling schemes -- shape consistency -- prolate dominance; 21.60.Ev -- 21.60.Fw -- 02.00.00 -- 03.65.Fd; Nuclear physics -- Periodicals; Particles (Nuclear physics) -- Periodicals; Physique nucléaire -- Périodiques; Particules (Physique nucléaire) -- Périodiques; Kernfysica; Elementaire deeltjes; 539.7
• DOI: 10.1088/0954-3899/43/2/024011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0954-3899

Abstract

Abstract: The many-nucleon quantum mechanics of a nucleus is infinite-dimensional and, although simply defined, it has the potential for unlimited complexity. Nevertheless, the low-energy states of heavy open-shell nuclei exhibit properties that are remarkably well described by simple collective models. This paper examines this emergent simplicity from a perspective that closely parallels the emergence of shell structure in the Mayer–Jensen model. The result is an expression of the many-nucleon Hilbert space of a nucleus as an energy-ordered sum of subspaces each of which carries a microscopic version of the Bohr–Mottelson unified model. Each of the subspaces is characterized by nuclear states with a common intrinsic shape defined by its quadrupole moments. An emergence of simplicity and shape-coexistence in nuclei is then explained if it can be demonstrated that there is a relatively small and coherent mixing of the states of different collective subspaces.