Covariant description of shape evolution and shape coexistence in neutron-rich nuclei at N approximate to 60

The shape evolution and shape coexistence phenomena in neutron-rich nuclei at N approximate to 60, including Kr, Sr, Zr, and Mo isotopes, are studied in the covariant density functional theory (DRT) with the new parameter set PC-PK1. Pairing correlations are treated using the BCS approximation with a separable pairing force. Sharp rising in the charge radii of Sr and Zr isotopes at N = 60 is observed and shown to be related to the rapid changing in nuclear shapes. The shape evolution is moderate in neighboring Kr and Mo isotopes. Similar as the results of previous Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov (HFB) calculations with the Gogny force, triaxiality is observed in Mo isotopes and shown to be essential to reproduce quantitatively the corresponding charge radii. In addition, the coexistence of prolate and oblate shapes is found in both Sr-98 and Zr-100. The observed oblate and prolate minima are related to the low single-particle energy level density around the Fermi surfaces of neutron and proton respectively. Furthermore, the 5-dimensional (5D) collective Hamiltonian determined by the calculations of the PC-PK1 energy functional is solved for Sr-98 and Zr-100. The resultant excitation energy of 0(2)(+) state and E0 transition strength rho(2) (E0: 0(2)(+) -> 0(1)(+)) are in rather good agreement with the data. It is found that the lower barrier height separating the two competing minima along the gamma deformation in Zr-100 gives rise to the larger rho(2) (E0: 0(2)(+) -> 0(1)(+)) than that in Sr-98. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.