Magic numbers in exotic nuclei and spin-isospin properties of the NN interaction -: art. no. 082502

The magic numbers in exotic nuclei are discussed, and their novel origin is shown to be the spin-isospin dependent part of the nucleon-nucleon interaction in nuclei. The importance and robustness of this mechanism is shown in terms of meson exchange, G-matrix, and QCD theories. In neutron-rich exotic nuclei, magic numbers such as N = 8, 20, etc. can disappear. while N = 6, 16, etc. arise, affecting the structure of the lightest exotic nuclei to nucleosynthesis of heavy elements.