Relativistic Quasiparticle Random Phase Approximation Research Articles

Electric dipole transitions in the relativistic quasiparticle random-phase approximation at finite temperature

Electric dipole transitions in the relativistic quasiparticle random-phase approximation at finite temperature

Magnetic quadrupole transitions in the relativistic energy density functional theory

Magnetic quadrupole (M2) excitation represents a fundamental feature in atomic nucleus associated to nuclear magnetism induced by spin and orbital transition operator. Since it has only been investigated within the non-relativistic theoretical approaches, and available experimental data are rather limited, it is interesting to study the properties of M2 transitions using the framework of relativistic nuclear energy density functional. In this work the nuclear ground state is calculated with relativistic Hartree-Bogoliubov model, while the M2 excitations are described using the relativistic quasiparticle random phase approximation with the residual interaction extended with the isovector-pseudovector term. The M2 transition strength distributions are described and analyzed for closed shell nuclei $$^{16}$$ O, $$^{48}$$ Ca, $$^{208}$$ Pb, open-shell $$^{18} \mathrm O$$ , $$^{42}$$ Ca, $$^{56}$$ Fe, and semi-magic $$^{90}$$ Zr. The evolution of M2 transition properties has been investigated within the $$^{36-64} \mathrm Ca$$ isotope chain. The main M2 transitions have rather rich underlying structure and detailed analysis shows that collectivity increases with the mass number due to larger number of contributing particle-hole configurations. Pairing correlations in open shell nuclei have strong effect, causing the reduction of M2 strength and shifts of the centroid energies to higher values. The analysis of M2 transition strengths indicate that considerable amount of experimental strength may be missing, mainly due to limitations to rather restricted energy ranges. The calculated M2 strengths for Ca isotopes, together with the future experimental data will allow constraining the quenching of the g factors in nuclear medium.

Implementation of the quasiparticle finite amplitude method within the relativistic self-consistent mean-field framework (II): The program DIRQFAM v2.0.0

We describe the new version 2.0.0 of the code DIRQFAM that calculates the multipole response of even-even axially symmetric deformed nuclei using the framework of relativistic self-consistent mean-field models. The response is calculated by implementing the finite amplitude method for relativistic quasiparticle random phase approximation. In the new version, we have implemented the following features: (i) meson-exchange interactions, (ii) low-rank method for calculating induced densities and currents, (iii) generalized minimal residual method (GMRES), (iv) evaluation of the nucleon localization function, (v) extraction of the QRPA transition matrix elements and eigenfrequencies, (vi) evaluation of the H11 part of the induced Hamiltonian, (vii) multipole excitation operators up to J≤5 are now included. Program summaryProgram title:DIRQFAM v2.0.0CPC Library link to program files:https://doi.org/10.17632/6gv8nxg4ns.2Licensing provisions: GPLv3Programming language: Fortran 90.External routines/libraries: BLAS/LAPACK, version 3.1. or higher.Journal reference of previous version: A. Bjelčić, T. Nikšić, Comp. Phys. Comm. 253, 107184 (2020).Does the new version supersede the previous version?: YesNature of problem: Multipole response of deformed even-even open-shell nuclei can be calculated using the quasiparticle finite amplitude method (QFAM), based on the relativistic self-consistent mean-field models. The particle-hole channel is described by a zero-range relativistic effective interaction or interaction based on meson exchange, while the particle-particle channel of the effective inter-nucleon interaction is described by a separable finite-range pairing force. The method can be applied to perform systematic studies of collective modes even in heavy deformed nuclei.Solution method: The current implementation computes the multipole response by solving the QFAM equations in a self-consistent iteration scheme. At each iteration the QFAM solutions are updated using the GMRES method. The QFAM amplitudes are expanded in the simplex-y harmonic oscillator basis.Summary of revisions:1.meson-exchange interaction are included in the code;2.calculation of the nucleon localization function;3.extraction of the QRPA transition matrix elements and eigenfrequencies;4.evaluation of the H11 part of the induced Hamiltonian;5.multipoles excitation operators up to J≤5 are included;6.low-rank method for calculating induced densities and currents;7.generalized minimal residual method;8.dynamic memory allocation;9.reduced memory requirements;Additional comments including restrictions and unusual features: Open-shell even-even nuclei with parity conserved axially symmetric ground states are considered. An electric multipole operator with J≤5 is used to calculate the response function.

Spin-isospin excitations in the direction of β+ decay for Zn80 and Ru126 at finite temperature

We investigate the Gamow-Teller (GT) and spin-dipole (SD) transitions in the direction of ${\ensuremath{\beta}}^{+}$ decay for neutron-rich $N=50$ nucleus $^{80}\mathrm{Zn}$ and $N=82$ nucleus $^{126}\mathrm{Ru}$, which are important for deleptonization phase in core-collapse supernova, at $T=0,\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}1,\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}2$ MeV with finite-temperature proton-neutron relativistic (quasiparticle) random-phase approximation. At zero temperature, the ${\mathrm{GT}}^{+}$ transitions for $^{80}\mathrm{Zn}$ and $^{126}\mathrm{Ru}$ are almost completely Pauli blocked because one more extra shell is occupied for neutrons than that for protons. With increasing temperature to even 2 MeV, the thermal excitation still cannot open up ${\mathrm{GT}}^{+}$ transitions with strong strength. The ${\mathrm{SD}}^{+}$ transitions in $^{80}\mathrm{Zn}$ are mildly affected by temperature, which means the experimental data measured at the laboratory can provide useful information for transitions in an astrophysical environment. However, for ${\mathrm{SD}}^{+}$ transitions in $^{126}\mathrm{Ru}$, the transition energies have a decrease of about 2 MeV from zero temperature to $T=1$ MeV due to the collapse of pairing gap of transition orbitals. The total strength in ${T}^{+}$ channel decreases with increasing temperature for both GT and SD transitions, due to the suppression of their transition strength induced by temperature effects.

Two-neutrino double- β decay matrix elements based on a relativistic nuclear energy density functional

Nuclear matrix elements (NMEs) for two-neutrino double-beta decay ($2\nu\beta\beta$) are studied in the framework of relativistic nuclear energy density functional (REDF). The properties of nuclei involved in the decay are obtained using the relativistic Hartree-Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer theory and relevant nuclear transitions are described using the relativistic proton-neutron quasiparticle random phase approximation based on relativistic energy density functional (REDF-QRPA). Three effective interactions have been employed, including density-dependent meson-exchange (DD-ME2) and point coupling interactions (DD-PC1 and DD-PCX), and pairing correlations are described consistently both in $T=1$ and $T=0$ channels using a separable pairing interaction. The optimal values of $T=0$ pairing strength parameter $V_{0pp}$ are constrained by the experimental data on $\beta$-decay half lives. The $2\nu\beta\beta$ matrix elements and half-lives are calculated for several nuclides experimentally known to undergo this kind of decay: $^{48}$Ca, $^{76}$Ge, $^{82}$Se, $^{96}$Zr, $^{100}$Mo, $^{116}$Cd, $^{124}$Xe, $^{128}$Te, $^{130}$Te, $^{136}$Xe and $^{150}$Nd. The model dependence of the NMEs and their sensitivity on $V_{0pp}$ is investigated, and the NMEs obtained using optimal values of $V_{0pp}$ are discussed in comparison to previous studies. The results of the present work represent an important benchmark for the future applications of the relativistic framework in studies of neutrinoless double-beta decay.

Symmetry breaking of Gamow-Teller and magnetic-dipole transitions and its restoration in calcium isotopes

Nuclear magnetic-dipole (M1) and Gamow-Teller (GT) transitions provide insight into the spin-isospin properties of atomic nuclei. By considering them as unified spin-isospin transitions, the M1/GT transition strengths and excitation energies are subject to isospin symmetry. The excitation properties associated to the M1/GT symmetry need to be clarified within consistent theoretical approach. In this work, the relationship between the M1 and GT transitions in Ca isotopes is investigated in a unified framework based on the relativistic energy-density functional (REDF) with point-coupling interactions, using the relativistic quasi-particle random-phase approximation (RQRPA). It is shown that the isovector-pseudovector (IV-PV) residual interaction affects both transitions, and the symmetry of M1 and giant-GT transitions is disrupted by this interaction in closed-shell nuclei. In open-shell Ca isotopes, the proton-neutron pairing in the residual RQRPA interaction also plays a role in GT transitions. Due to the interplay between these interactions, the M1/GT symmetry can be restored especially in the $^{42}$Ca nucleus, i.e., the giant-GT strength can become comparable to that of the M1 mode in terms of the unified spin-isospin transitions by adjusting the PN-pairing strength to reproduce the experimental low-lying GT-excitation energies. The mirror symmetry of both M1 and GT transitions is also demonstrated for open-shell mirror partners, $^{42}$Ca and $^{42}$Ti. Further improvements are required to achieve simultaneous reproduction of M1 and GT-transition energies in the REDF framework.

Beyond-mean-field calculations of allowed and first-forbidden β− decays of r-process waiting-point nuclei

β-decay rates of neutron-rich nuclei, in particular those located at neutron shell closures, play a central role in simulations of the heavy-element nucleosynthesis and resulting abundance distributions. We present β-decay half-lives of even-even N = 82 and N = 126 r-process waiting-point nuclei calculated in the approach based on relativistic quasiparticle random phase approximation with quasiparticle-vibration coupling. The calculations include both allowed and first-forbidden transitions. In the N = 82 chain, the quasiparticlevibration coupling has an important impact close to stability, as it increases the contribution of Gamow-Teller modes and improves the agreement with the available data. In the N = 126 chain, we find the decay to proceed dominantly via first-forbidden transitions, even when the coupling to vibrations is included.

Evolution of β -decay half-lives in stellar environments

$\ensuremath{\beta}$-decay properties of nuclei are investigated within the relativistic nuclear energy density functional framework by varying the temperature and density, conditions relevant to the final stages of stellar evolution. Both thermal and nuclear pairing effects are taken into account in the description of nuclear properties and in the finite-temperature proton-neutron relativistic quasiparticle random-phase approximation (FT-PNRQRPA) to calculate the relevant allowed and first-forbidden transitions in the $\ensuremath{\beta}$ decay. The temperature and density effects are studied on the $\ensuremath{\beta}$-decay half-lives at temperatures $T=0$--$1.5\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{MeV}$ and at densities $\ensuremath{\rho}{Y}_{e}={10}^{7}\phantom{\rule{4pt}{0ex}}\mathrm{g}/{\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$ and ${10}^{9}\phantom{\rule{4pt}{0ex}}\mathrm{g}/{\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$. The relevant Gamow-Teller transitions are also investigated for Ti, Fe, Cd, and Sn isotopic chains at finite-temperatures. We find that the $\ensuremath{\beta}$-decay half-lives increase with increasing density $\ensuremath{\rho}{Y}_{e}$, whereas half-lives generally decrease with increasing temperature. It is shown that the temperature effects decrease the half-lives considerably in nuclei with longer half-lives at zero temperature, while only slight changes for nuclei with short half-lives are obtained. We also show the importance of including the de-excitation transitions in the calculation of the $\ensuremath{\beta}$-decay half-lives at finite-temperatures. Comparing the FT-PNQRPA results with the shell-model calculations for $pf$-shell nuclei, a reasonable agreement is obtained for the temperature dependence of $\ensuremath{\beta}$-decay rates. Finally, large-scale calculations of $\ensuremath{\beta}$-decay half-lives are performed at temperatures ${T}_{9}(\text{K})=5$ and ${T}_{9}(\text{K})=10$ and densities $\ensuremath{\rho}{Y}_{e}={10}^{7}$ and ${10}^{9}\phantom{\rule{4pt}{0ex}}\mathrm{g}/{\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$ for even-even nuclei in the range $8\ensuremath{\le}Z\ensuremath{\le}82$, relevant for astrophysical nucleosynthesis mechanisms.

β -delayed neutron-emission and fission calculations within relativistic quasiparticle random-phase approximation and a statistical model

Background: $\ensuremath{\beta}$-delayed neutron emission and fission are essential in $r$-process nucleosynthesis. Although the number of experimental studies covering $r$-process nuclei has recently increased, the uncertainties of $\ensuremath{\beta}$-delayed neutron emission and fission are still large for $r$-process simulations.Purpose: Our aim is to introduce a theoretical framework for the description of $\ensuremath{\beta}$-delayed neutron-emission and fission rates based on relativistic nuclear energy density-functional and statistical models and investigate their properties throughout the nuclide map.Methods: To obtain $\ensuremath{\beta}$ strength functions, the relativistic proton-neutron quasiparticle random-phase approximation is employed. Particle evaporations and fission from highly excited nuclear states are estimated by the Hauser-Feshbach statistical model. $\ensuremath{\beta}$-delayed neutron branching ratios ${P}_{n}$ are calculated and compared with experimental data, and the $\ensuremath{\beta}$-delayed fission branching ratio ${P}_{f}$ are also assessed by using different fission barrier data.Results: Calculated ${P}_{n}$ are in a good agreement with the experimental data and the root mean square deviation is comparable to results of preceding works. It is found that energy withdrawal by $\ensuremath{\beta}$-delayed neutron-emission sensitivity varies ${P}_{n}$, especially for nuclei near the neutron drip line. ${P}_{f}$ depend sensitively on fission barrier data. It is found that not only the barrier height but also the number of barrier humps is important to evaluate ${P}_{f}$.Conclusions: The framework introduced in this work provides an improved theoretical description of the $\ensuremath{\beta}$-delayed neutron emission and fission. Since ${P}_{f}$ as well as ${P}_{n}$ depend strongly on fission barrier information, four kinds of fission barrier data are used in this work to allow further sensitivity studies of the $r$-process nucleosynthesis on the nuclear fission. More studies on fission barrier are highly requested to assess the role of $\ensuremath{\beta}$-delayed fission in the $r$-process study. A complete set of calculated data for $\ensuremath{\beta}$-delayed neutron emission and fission are summarized as a table in supplemental material for its use in $r$-process studies as well as to complement a part of nuclear data in which no experimental data are available.

Nuclear charge-exchange excitations based on a relativistic density-dependent point-coupling model

Spin-isospin transitions in nuclei away from the valley of stability are essential for the description of astrophysically relevant weak interaction processes. While they remain mainly beyond the reach of experiment, theoretical modeling provides important insight into their properties. In order to describe the spin-isospin response, the proton-neutron relativistic quasiparticle random phase approximation is formulated using the relativistic density-dependent point coupling interaction, and separable pairing interaction in both the $T=1$ and $T=0$ pairing channels. By implementing recently established DD-PCX interaction with improved isovector properties relevant for the description of nuclei with neutron-to-proton number asymmetry, the isobaric analog resonances (IAR) and Gamow-Teller resonances (GTR) have been investigated. In contrast to other models that usually underestimate the IAR excitation energies in Sn isotope chain, the present model accurately reproduces the experimental data, while the GTR properties depend on the isoscalar pairing interaction strength. This framework provides not only an improved description of the spin-isospin response in nuclei, but it also allows future large-scale calculations of charge-exchange excitations and weak interaction processes in stellar environment.

Discerning nuclear pairing properties from magnetic dipole excitation

Pairing correlation of Cooper pair is a fundamental property of multi-fermion interacting systems. For nucleons, two modes of the Cooper-pair coupling may exist, namely of $$S_{12}=0$$ with $$L_{12}=0$$ (spin-singlet s-wave) and $$S_{12}=1$$ with $$L_{12}=1$$ (spin-triplet p-wave). In nuclear physics, it has been an open question whether the spin-singlet or spin-triplet coupling is dominant, as well as how to measure their role. We investigate a relation between the magnetic-dipole (M1) excitation of nuclei and the pairing modes within the framework of relativistic nuclear energy-density functional (RNEDF). The pairing correlations are taken into account by the relativistic Hartree-Bogoliubov (RHB) model in the ground state, and the relativistic quasi-particle random-phase approximation (RQRPA) is employed to describe M1 transitions. We have shown that M1 excitation properties display a sensitivity on the pairing model involved in the calculations. The systematic evaluation of M1 transitions together with the accurate experimental data enables us to discern the pairing properties in finite nuclei.

Stellar electron-capture rates based on finite-temperature relativistic quasiparticle random-phase approximation

The electron capture process plays an important role in the evolution of the core collapse of a massive star that precedes the supernova explosion. In this study, the electron capture on nuclei in stellar environment is described in the relativistic energy density functional framework, including both the finite temperature and nuclear pairing effects. Relevant nuclear transitions $J^\pi = 0^\pm, 1^\pm, 2^\pm$ are calculated using the finite temperature proton-neutron quasiparticle random phase approximation with the density-dependent meson-exchange effective interaction DD-ME2. The pairing and temperature effects are investigated in the Gamow-Teller transition strength as well as the electron capture cross sections and rates for ${}^{44}$Ti and ${}^{56}$Fe in stellar environment. It is found that the pairing correlations establish an additional unblocking mechanism similar to the finite temperature effects, that can allow otherwise blocked single-particle transitions. Inclusion of pairing correlations at finite temperature can significantly alter the electron capture cross sections, even up to a factor of two for ${}^{44}$Ti, while for the same nucleus electron capture rates can increase by more than one order of magnitude. We conclude that for the complete description of electron capture on nuclei both pairing and temperature effects must be taken into account.

Magnetic dipole excitations based on the relativistic nuclear energy density functional

Magnetic dipole (M1) excitations build not only a fundamental mode of nucleonic transitions, but they are also relevant for nuclear astrophysics applications. We have established a theory framework for description of M1 transitions based on the relativistic nuclear energy density functional. For this purpose the relativistic quasiparticle random phase approximation (RQRPA) is established using density dependent point coupling interaction DD-PC1, supplemented with the isovector-pseudovector interaction channel in order to study unnatural parity transitions. The introduced framework has been validated using the M1 sum rule for core-plus-two-nucleon systems, and employed in studies of the spin, orbital, isoscalar and isovector M1 transition strengths, that relate to the electromagnetic probe, in magic nuclei $^{48}$Ca and $^{208}$Pb, and open shell nuclei $^{42}$Ca and $^{50}$Ti. In these systems, the isovector spin-flip M1 transition is dominant, mainly between one or two spin-orbit partner states. It is shown that pairing correlations have a significant impact on the centroid energy and major peak position of the M1 mode. The M1 excitations could provide an additional constraint to improve nuclear energy density functionals in the future studies.

Role of residual interaction in the relativistic description of M1 excitation

Magnetic dipole (M1) excitation is the leading mode of multi-nucleon excitations induced by the magnetic field, and is a phenomenon of the spin–orbit splitting and residual interactions involved. In this work, we investigate the effects of the residual interactions on the M1 excitation from a novel perspective, the framework of relativistic nuclear energy-density functional. The relativistic Hartree–Bogoliubov model is utilized to determine the nuclear ground state properties, while the relativistic quasi-particle random-phase approximation is employed for the description of M1-excitation properties. From the analysis of M1 mode in the Ca isotope chain, role of the isovector–pseudovector residual interaction is discussed. For open-shell nuclei, the pairing correlation also plays a noticeable role in the M1 mode. The experimental data on M1 mode is expected to provide a suitable reference to improve and optimize the theoretical models to describe the residual interactions.

Gamow-Teller excitations at finite temperature: Competition between pairing and temperature effects

The relativistic and nonrelativistic finite temperature proton-neutron quasiparticle random phase approximation (FT-PNQRPA) methods are developed to study the interplay of the pairing and temperature effects on the Gamow-Teller excitations in open-shell nuclei, as well as to explore the model dependence of the results by using two rather different frameworks for effective nuclear interactions. The Skyrme-type functional SkM* is employed in the nonrelativistic framework, while the density-dependent meson-exchange interaction DD-ME2 is implemented in the relativistic approach. Both the isoscalar and isovector pairing interactions are taken into account within the FT-PNQRPA. Model calculations show that below the critical temperatures the Gamow-Teller excitations display a sensitivity to both the finite temperature and pairing effects, and this demonstrates the necessity for implementing both in the theoretical framework. The established FT-PNQRPA opens perspectives for the future complete and consistent description of astrophysically relevant weak interaction processes in nuclei at finite temperature such as $\beta$-decays, electron capture, and neutrino-nucleus reactions.

Implementation of the quasiparticle finite amplitude method within the relativistic self-consistent mean-field framework: The program DIRQFAM

The DIRQFAM code calculates the multipole response of even–even axially symmetric deformed nuclei using the framework of relativistic self-consistent mean-field models. The response is calculated by implementing the finite amplitude method for relativistic quasiparticle random phase approximation. Program summaryProgram Title:DIRQFAMProgram Files doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.17632/6gv8nxg4ns.1Licensing provisions: GPLv3Programming language: Fortran 90/95, easily downgradable to FORTRAN 77.External routines/libraries: BLAS/LAPACK, version 3.6.0. or higher.Nature of problem: Multipole response of deformed even–even open-shell nuclei can be calculated using the quasiparticle finite amplitude method (QFAM), based on the relativistic self-consistent mean-field models. The particle–hole channel is described by a zero-range relativistic effective interaction, while the particle–particle channel of the effective inter-nucleon interaction is described by a separable finite-range pairing force. The method can be applied to perform systematic studies of collective modes even in heavy deformed nuclei.Solution method: The current implementation computes the multipole response by solving the QFAM equations in a self-consistent iteration scheme. At each iteration the QFAM solutions are updated using the modified Broyden’s method. The QFAM amplitudes are expanded in the simplex-y harmonic oscillator basis.Restrictions: Open-shell even–even nuclei with axially symmetric ground states are considered. An electric multipole operator with J≤3 is used to calculate the response function.Unusual features: The code should be recompiled before running it with different values of one of the following input parameters: number of oscillator shells in the expansion of nucleon spinors (n0f), number of Gauss–Hermite (NGH) or Gauss–Laguerre nodes (NGL), the multipolarity values that define the external perturbation operator (J_multipole, K_multipole).

Giant dipole resonance parameters from photoabsorption cross-sections * * Supported by the IAEA Coordinated Research Project F41032 (20466), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (U1432247, 11775013, 11305270, 11465005, U1630143), and the Science Challenge Project (TZ2018001) and the Key Laboratory fund key projects (6142A080201)

The structural effect is believed to have no influence on the decay properties of medium and heavy-mass nuclei at excitation energies above the pairing gap. These properties can be described by statistical properties using so-called photon strength functions for different multipolarities, and directly related to the photoabsorption cross-section ( ). is dominated by the electric giant dipole resonance at energy MeV. In this study, we construct two kinds of systematic giant dipole resonance parameters by fitting the experimental photoabsorption cross-sections. One is based on the microscopic relativistic quasiparticle random phase approximation approach, whereas the other is estimated by the phenomenological models within the Lorentzian representation. Both of them are demonstrated ot efficiently describe the experimental photoabsorption cross-sections available for medium to heavy-mass nuclei, and they can obtain more reliable predictions for the unknown nuclear system.

Delayed Multineutron Emission in the Region of Heavy Calcium Isotopes

A brief survey of self-consistent models used to perform global calculations of β-decay properties of neutron-rich nuclei is given. These models include the continuum quasiparticle randomphase approximation (CQRPA) based on the energy density functional (DF) proposed by Fayans and his colleagues (DF + CQRPA), relativistic quasiparticle random-phase approximation (RQRPA), and the finite-amplitude method (FAM). These models take into account allowed Gamow–Teller transitions and first-forbidden transitions. Models that allow for complex configurations beyond the QRPA framework are also analyzed. The β-decay properties of heavy calcium, potassium, and scandium isotopes in the vicinity of the N = 32 and 34 neutron subshells, which are new magic subshells for neutrons, are calculated on the basis of the self-consistent DF + CQRPA approach. The predicted high probability for two-neutron emission is found to be correlated with the anomalous nuclear radii measured for potassium and calcium isotopes in the region around N = 32. The results ofDF3 + CQRPA calculations are compared with their counterparts obtained within the self-consistent models implemented with the SkO’ Skyrme functional and the D3C* relativistic functional.

Lowest excited 2+ and 3− states in even- A N=82 and N=126 isotones from relativistic quasiparticle random-phase approximation

Lowest excited <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"><mml:msup><mml:mn>2</mml:mn><mml:mo>+</mml:mo></mml:msup></mml:math> and <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"><mml:msup><mml:mn>3</mml:mn><mml:mo>−</mml:mo></mml:msup></mml:math> states in even- <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"><mml:mi>A</mml:mi><mml:mo> </mml:mo><mml:mrow><mml:mi>N</mml:mi><mml:mo>=</mml:mo><mml:mn>82</mml:mn></mml:mrow></mml:math> and <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"><mml:mrow><mml:mi>N</mml:mi><mml:mo>=</mml:mo><mml:mn>126</mml:mn></mml:mrow></mml:math> isotones from relativistic quasiparticle random-phase approximation

Self-consistent relativistic quasiparticle random-phase approximation and its applications to charge-exchange excitations

The self-consistent quasiparticle random-phase approximation (QRPA) approach is formulated in the canonical single-nucleon basis of the relativistic Hatree-Fock-Bogoliubov (RHFB) theory. This approach is applied to study the isobaric analog states (IAS) and Gamov-Teller resonances (GTR) by taking Sn isotopes as examples. It is found that self-consistent treatment of the particle-particle residual interaction is essential to concentrate the IAS in a single peak for open-shell nuclei and the Coulomb exchange term is very important to predict the IAS energies. For the GTR, the isovector pairing can increase the calculated GTR energy, while the isoscalar pairing has an important influence on the low-lying tail of the GT transition. Furthermore, the QRPA approach is employed to predict nuclear $\beta$-decay half-lives. With an isospin-dependent pairing interaction in the isoscalar channel, the RHFB+QRPA approach almost completely reproduces the experimental $\beta$-decay half-lives for nuclei up to the Sn isotopes with half-lives smaller than one second. Large discrepancies are found for the Ni, Zn, and Ge isotopes with neutron number smaller than $50$, as well as the Sn isotopes with neutron number smaller than $82$. The potential reasons for these discrepancies are discussed in detail.