The structure of 12C and 16O in a cluster model with varying hinge angle

Abstract

The low-lying states of 12C and 16O are investigated using realistic effective interactions within the α-cluster model of Brink. Angular momentum projection is performed and a limited Hill-Wheeler integral is carried out over a mode called the hinge mode. Excellent agreement for the absolute binding energies of both nuclei is found using the Montreal interaction, and reasonable relative spectra and electromagnetic properties for 12C are predicted. Poor agreement is obtained between the model and experiment for the relative spectrum of 16O. Using the same formalism, and the same forces, it is shown that the low-lying states of 16O are probably better described in terms of an α-cluster coupled ot the 0 + ground state of 12C.