Probing exotic multi-proton emitters: A Gamow shell model study of proton-rich fluorine and neon isotopes beyond the drip line
Abstract
We investigate proton-rich systems beyond the proton drip line, focusing on the notably poorly known 13 F and 15 Ne and the yet unobserved 14 Ne, whose structure properties remain weakly constrained. Using the Gamow shell model (GSM), which consistently incorporates both inter-nucleon correlations and couplings to the particle continuum, we study oxygen, fluorine, and neon isotopes with mass A = 12 − 16 . Taking 8 C as an inert core, the GSM Hamiltonian based on an effective field theory nucleon-nucleon interaction is optimized for this proton-rich region. The constructed Hamiltonian reproduces the low-lying spectra and decay properties of fluorine and neon isotopes beyond the proton drip line. We quantify many-body configuration and average partial-wave occupancies to elucidate the structural evolution of the drip line nuclei 12–14 O, 13–15 F, and 14–16 Ne. In particular, multi-proton separation energies and spectroscopic factors are analyzed in detail, leading to a prediction for the unresolved ground state of 13 F. Furthermore, the candidate 4 p emitter 14 Ne is theoretically predicted for the first time, providing valuable guidance for future experimental investigations.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Nuclear physics research studies
Advanced Chemical Physics Studies
Atomic and Molecular Physics
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Physics Letters B
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Volume
- 879
- Pages
- 140601–140601
- Publication date
- 30 May 2026
- Language
- EN