Search for octupole-deformed actinium isotopes using resonance ionization spectroscopy

Abstract

In-source resonance ionization spectroscopy of the neutron-rich actinium isotopes $^{225\ensuremath{-}229}\mathrm{Ac}$ has been performed at the ISAC facility in TRIUMF, probing a $^{2}D_{3/2}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}^{4}P_{5/2}^{\ensuremath{\circ}}$ atomic transition. New data on the magnetic dipole moments and changes in mean-square charge radii $\ensuremath{\delta}\ensuremath{\langle}{r}^{2}\ensuremath{\rangle}$ of $^{226,228,229}\mathrm{Ac}$ have been obtained. The comparison of the measured isotope shifts and magnetic dipole coupling constants $a(^{4}P_{5/2}^{\ensuremath{\circ}})$ of $^{225,227}\mathrm{Ac}$ with a high-resolution data set is used to identify systematic uncertainties on the deduced $\ensuremath{\delta}{\ensuremath{\langle}{r}^{2}\ensuremath{\rangle}}^{A,215}$ and magnetic dipole moment values. The charge radii odd-even staggering is evaluated for the odd-$N$ isotopes, showing that $^{226}\mathrm{Ac}$ has an inverted odd-even staggering that might be linked with a reflection-asymmetric shape. Comparison of the magnetic dipole moments of $^{225,227,229}\mathrm{Ac}$ with Nilsson-model estimates supports the assumption of octupole deformation in isotopes $^{225,227}\mathrm{Ac}$ and its gradual decrease toward isotope $^{229}\mathrm{Ac}$. The changes in mean-square charge radii are compared to self-consistent calculations employing multiple modern energy density functionals: SLy5s1, BSk31, and DD-MEB1. For SLy5s1 in particular, self-consistent time-reversal breaking calculations of odd-odd nuclei incorporating finite octupole deformation are reported for the first time. For these calculations, the overall best agreement is obtained when the octupole degree of freedom is taken into account.