Exotic cluster structure in light neutron-rich nuclei

Abstract

The cluster structure of C isotopes is investigated using a microscopic α+α+α+n+n… model based on the molecular orbit (MO) model. The stability of the linear chain of 3α with respect to the breathing mode and the bending mode for various neutron configurations is investigated. The combination of the valence neutrons in the π- and σ-orbits is promising to stabilize for these modes, and the excited states of 16C with the (3/2π-)2(1/2σ-)2 configuration for the four valence neutrons are one of the most promising candidates for such structure. Furthermore, the equilateral-triangular shape of 3α surrounded by valence neutrons is suggested for 14C. The 3-, 4-, and 5- members of this rotational band appear around the 10Be+α threshold, and these calculated states correspond to the experimentally observed 3- state (9.80 MeV) and 4- state (11.67 MeV). A positive-parity rotational band (0+, 2+, 4+) also arises around this threshold energy, and these results suggest that the picture of inversion doublet structure works also in neutron-rich nuclei.