Large-scale shell model calculations for theN=126isotones Po–Pu

Abstract

Large-scale shell model calculations were performed in the full $Z=82--126$ proton model space $\ensuremath{\pi}{(0h}_{9/2},$ ${1f}_{7/2},$ ${0i}_{13/2},$ ${2p}_{3/2},$ ${1f}_{5/2},$ ${2p}_{1/2})$ employing the code NATHAN. The modified Kuo-Herling interaction was used, no truncation was applied up to protactinium $(Z=91)$ and seniority truncation beyond. The results are compared to experimental data including binding energies, level schemes, and electromagnetic transition rates. An overall excellent agreement is obtained for states that can be described in this model space. Limitations of the approach with respect to excitations across the $Z=82$ and $N=126$ shells and deficiencies of the interaction are discussed.