Odd-even shape staggering and kink structure of charge radii of Hg isotopes by the deformed relativistic Hartree-Bogoliubov theory in continuum

We examined the shape staggering of relative charge radii in 180-186Hg isotopes, which was first measured in 1977 and recently confirmed using advanced spectroscopy techniques. To understand the nuclear structure underlying this phenomenon, we employed the deformed relativistic Hartree-Bogoliubov theory in continuum (DRHBc). Our analysis revealed that the shape staggering can be attributed to nuclear shape transition in the Hg isotopes. Specifically, we demonstrated that prolate shapes of 181,183,185Hg lead to an increase in the charge radii compared to oblate shapes of 180,182,184,186Hg isotopes. We explained the nuclear shape staggering in terms of the evolution of occupation probability (OP) of v1i13/2, v1h9/2, pi 1h9/2, and pi 3.91/2 states. Additionally, we clarified the kink structure of the charge radii in the Hg isotopes near N = 126 magic shell does not come from the change of the OP of pi 1h9/2 state, but mainly by the increase of the OPs of v1i11/2 and v2g9/2 states.

Automated summary

This study examined the shape staggering of charge radii in Hg isotopes and found that it is caused by a transition in nuclear shape. The analysis revealed that prolate shapes have larger charge radii compared to oblate shapes. The researchers explained the phenomenon in terms of the evolution of occupation probabilities of specific states.