Interplay between shape-phase transitions and shape coexistence in the Zr isotopes

N. Gavrielov*, A. Leviatan, F. Iachello

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

We investigate the evolution of structure in the zirconium isotopes where one of the most complex situations encountered in nuclear physics occurs. We demonstrate the role of two concurrent types of quantum phase transitions, sharing a common critical point. The first type, involves an abrupt crossing of coexisting normal and intruder configurations. The second type, involves a gradual shape-phase transition within the intruder configuration, changing from weakly-deformed to prolate-deformed and finally to gamma-unstable. Evidence for this scenario is provided by a detailed comparison with experimental data, using a definite algebraic framework.

Original languageEnglish
Article number024001
JournalPhysica Scripta
Volume95
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2020

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2019 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Keywords

  • Zr isotopes
  • interacting boson model of nuclei
  • nuclear shape coexistence
  • nuclear shape-phase transitions
  • quantum phase transitions in nuclei

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