Nonlocalized cluster dynamics and nuclear molecular structure

A container picture is proposed for understanding cluster dynamics where the clusters make nonlocalized motion occupying the lowest orbit of the cluster mean-field potential characterized by the size parameter B in the Tohsaki-Horiuchi-Schuck-Ropke (THSR) wave function. The nonlocalized cluster aspects of the inversion-doublet bands in Ne-20 which have been considered as a typical manifestation of localized clustering are discussed. An as-yet-unexplained puzzling feature of the THSR wave function, namely that after angular-momentum projection for two-cluster systems the prolate THSR wave function is almost 100% equivalent to an oblate THSR wave function, is clarified. It is shown that the true intrinsic two-cluster THSR configuration is nonetheless prolate. The proposal of the container picture is based on the fact that typical cluster systems, 2 alpha, 3 alpha, and O-16 + alpha, are all well described by a single THSR wave function. It is shown for the case of linear-chain states with 2- and 3 alpha clusters, as well as for the O-16 + alpha system, that localization is entirely of kinematical origin, that is, attributable to the intercluster Pauli repulsion. It is concluded that this feature is general for nuclear cluster states.