Low-energy cluster modes in N = Z nuclei

Significant transition strength in light alpha-conjugate nuclei at low energy, typically below 10 MeV, has been observed in many experiments. In this work the isoscalar low-energy response of N = Z nuclei is explored using the finite amplitude method based on the microscopic framework of nuclear energy density functionals. Depending on the multipolarity of the excitation and the equilibrium deformation of a particular isotope, the low-energy strength functions display prominent peaks that can be attributed to cluster mode structures: alpha + C-12 +alpha + O-16 in Ne-20, C-12 + C-12 in Mg-24, 4 alpha + C-12 in Si-28 , and a etc. Such cluster modes are favored in light nuclei with large deformation.

Automated summary

This study investigates the isoscalar low-energy response of N = Z nuclei using the finite amplitude method based on the microscopic nuclear energy density functionals framework. The low-energy strength functions exhibit prominent peaks attributed to cluster mode structures in light nuclei with large deformation, depending on the multipolarity of the excitation and equilibrium deformation of specific isotopes.