Linear chain structure of four-α clusters in 16O

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Physics
• Quantum Mechanics
• Nuclear Structure

Background:

• Investigating exotic nuclear configurations is crucial for understanding nuclear forces.
• The linear chain configuration of alpha clusters in light nuclei is a topic of theoretical interest.
• Previous studies have explored cluster models, but stable linear chains in 16O at high angular momentum remain elusive.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the linear chain configurations of four-alpha clusters in 16O.
• To determine the relationship between the stability of these states and angular momentum.
• To demonstrate the existence of stable exotic states with large moments of inertia.

Main Methods:

• Employed the Skyrme cranked Hartree-Fock method.
• Analyzed the stability of four-alpha cluster configurations in 16O.
• Calculated the moment of inertia for identified states.

Main Results:

• Identified a specific region of angular momentum (13-18ℏ) where the linear chain configuration is stabilized.
• Demonstrated the existence of stable exotic states in 16O with this configuration.
• Quantified a large moment of inertia for these states (ℏ2/2Θ∼0.06-0.08 MeV).

Conclusions:

• Stable linear chain configurations of four-alpha clusters in 16O exist within a defined angular momentum range.
• These findings confirm the possibility of exotic nuclear states with large moments of inertia.
• The study provides new insights into nuclear clustering and stability at high angular momentum.