Isospin Symmetry/Asymmetry in Experimental Nuclear Physics

Dear Colleagues,

(1) Introduction: 

Isospin symmetry, a cornerstone in nuclear physics, refers to the approximate symmetry between protons and neutrons within atomic nuclei. This symmetry arises from the similar masses of protons and neutrons and the strong force's flavor-blind nature, which interacts equally with protons and neutrons. Although the strong interaction fulfills isospin symmetry, there are slight violations in nuclei due to the electromagnetic and weak interactions that distinguish between protons and neutrons. Isospin symmetry is almost maximized in N = Z nuclei,  whereas its violation will be maximized and manifested in neutron-rich or proton-rich nuclei, which have large isospin asymmetry. The effects of Isospin symmetry and Isospin asymmetry are particularly evident in nuclear masses, excited states, nuclear reactions, and decay processes, thus offering insights into nuclear structures and forces.

(2) Aim of the Special Issue and how the subject relates to the journal scope.  

This Special Issue aims to highlight the recent advancements and novel findings in the realm of isospin symmetry, isospin symmetry violations, and isospin asymmetry in nuclear physics. The issue seeks to compile a collection of at least 10 articles, detailing experimental results and theoretical developments pertaining to isospin symmetry and asymmetry in nuclei. If this number is reached, this Special Issue may be printed in book form. The focus will be on how isospin symmetry, isospin symmetry violations, and isospin asymmetry impact nuclear structures, nuclear reactions, and nuclear decay, as well as the implications in the realm of astrophysics. 

(3) Suggested themes and article types for submissions.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Isospin symmetry and asymmetry in nuclear reactions: Investigate how isospin symmetry and isospin asymmetry affect various types of nuclear reactions, including fusion, fission, knockout, transfer, scattering, and heavy-ion collision processes;
• Isospin symmetry and asymmetry in nuclear structure: Explore the effects of isospin symmetry and isospin asymmetry on the structure of atomic nuclei, with a focus on recent experimental findings that provide new insights into the mass differences of mirror nuclei, the properties of their excited states, and the characteristics of the decay processes of mirror nuclei, including beta decay and other forms of radioactive decay;
• Astrophysical implications of isospin symmetry and asymmetry: Investigate the role of isospin symmetry and isospin asymmetry in stellar nucleosynthesis and the evolution of neutron stars.

Dr. Yelei Sun
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Symmetry is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• isospin symmetry
• isospin symmetry violation
• isospin asymmetry
• nuclear physics
• nuclear reactions
• nuclear structure
• astrophysics