Discrete and continuum spectra in the unified shell model approach

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Physics
• Quantum Mechanics
• Computational Physics

Background:

• The standard nuclear shell model effectively describes discrete energy spectra but struggles with continuum effects.
• Unifying discrete and continuum aspects is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of nuclear structure and reactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and present a new nuclear shell model that unifies discrete and continuum spectra.
• To validate the model's efficacy by comparing its predictions with experimental data for specific isotope chains.

Main Methods:

• The method employs a non-Hermitian effective Hamiltonian.
• It incorporates energy-dependent one-body and two-body decay amplitudes.
• A self-consistent treatment of thresholds is a key component of the model.

Main Results:

• The new model successfully reproduces results consistent with the standard shell model for the discrete spectrum.
• It also effectively incorporates continuum effects.
• Excellent agreement with experimental data was achieved for helium and oxygen isotope chains.

Conclusions:

• The unified nuclear shell model provides a robust framework for describing nuclear systems across both discrete and continuum energy regimes.
• This advancement offers improved accuracy and a more complete picture of nuclear structure and decay processes.