Submit to Symmetry Review for Symmetry Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser

Symmetry in Nuclear Physics: Model Calculations, Advances and Applications

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Published Papers

A special issue of Symmetry (ISSN 2073-8994). This special issue belongs to the section "Physics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 March 2024) | Viewed by 20755

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Jerry Paul Draayer

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Physics and Astronomy, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
Interests: nuclear structure; nuclear physics; algebra; nuclear astrophysics; neutrons

Dr. Feng Pan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

1. Department of Physics and Astronomy, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
2. Department of Physics, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116029, China
Interests: nuclear physics; quantum physics; theoretical physics

Dr. Andriana Martinou

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Institute of Nuclear and Particle Physics, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Athens, Greece
Interests: nuclear physics; theory of nuclear structure

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Symmetry concepts have and are continuing to play very important roles in revealing simple patterns emerging in quantum many-body systems and providing well-organized descriptions for achieving a deeper understanding of the underlying physics. Examples include Wigner’s SU(4) spin-isospin symmetry, the SU(3) symmetry revealed in nuclear shell model through the pioneering work of Elliott, and Racah’s SU(2) quasi-spin for pairing are classic examples of the use of symmetry concepts in nuclei. Various associated Lie algebraic symmetries and their extensions within nuclear shell-model calculations continue to play a major role in helping to understanding nuclear structure physics. For example, the recent advancements that incorporate multi-shell excitations based on the Sp(3,R)⊃SU(3) symmetry opens up a new and pathway for managing shell model calculations that include open-shell considerations. Meanwhile, the interacting boson model (IBM) proposed by Arima and Iachello in the late seventies describes the collective excitations in even-even nuclei with simplicity based on the U(6) symmetry of S and D nucleon pairs approximated as bosons, which can also be extended to describe odd mass and odd-odd nuclei by including single valence proton and/or neutron degrees of freedom resulting in the interacting boson-fermion model (IBFM). Multi-shell extensions with 2n-particle and 2n-hole configuration mixing in both the IBM and the IBFM have also been met with good success in elucidating intruder states and in understanding shape coexistence phenomena.

This special issue focuses on recent original research that exploit symmetries in atomic nuclei ranging from the use of and innovatiions to various versions of the shell model as well as for the interacting boson, and including–as deemed to be appropriate–various mixed boson-fermion coupling modes. In addition, short review articles are also encouraged that seek to advance a bridging of the gap between low-energy (MeV scale) nuclear structure studies and high-energy (GeV scale) studies of hadronic matter, especially as the latter may seek to probe the intersection of the Shell Model and the Standard Model.

Prof. Dr. Jerry Paul Draayer
Dr. Feng Pan
Dr. Andriana Martinou
Guest Editors

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.

Keywords

nuclear structure and reactions
shell model
the interacting boson and boson-fermion model
symmetries in atomic nuclei and hadronic systems

Published Papers (7 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

12 pages, 783 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Correlation of Neutrinoless Double-β Decay Nuclear Matrix Element with E2 Strength

by Changfeng Jiao, Cenxi Yuan and Jiangming Yao

Symmetry 2023, 15(2), 552; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym15020552 - 19 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1080

Abstract

We explore the correlation of the neutrinoless double-

β

We explore the correlation of the neutrinoless double-

β

decay nuclear matrix element (NME) with electric quadrupole (E2) strength in the framework of the Hamiltonian-based generator-coordinate method, which is a configuration-mixing calculation of symmetry-restored intrinsic basis states. The restoration of symmetries that are simultaneously broken in the mean-field states allows us to compute the structural and decay properties associated with wave functions characterized by good quantum numbers. Our calculations show a clear anti-correlation between the neutrinoless double-

β

decay NME and the transition rate of the collective quadrupole excitation from the ground state in response to artificial changes of the quadrupole–quadrupole interaction. The anti-correlation is more remarkable in the decay from a weakly deformed parent nucleus to a more deformed grand-daughter nucleus. This interrelation may provide a way to reduce the uncertainty of the nuclear matrix element. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry in Nuclear Physics: Model Calculations, Advances and Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 525 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of the Hidden Color Channel in Some Interesting Dibaryon Candidates

by Lianrong Dai, Yuhang Wang, Langning Chen and Tiange Zhang

Symmetry 2023, 15(2), 446; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym15020446 - 07 Feb 2023

Viewed by 1449

Abstract

Nowadays, exploring dibaryon candidates has attracted much attention, both theoretically and experimentally. It is important to find a reasonable model to predict the possible dibaryon candidates. The chiral SU(3) quark model is just one of the most successful models, with which we can reasonably explain the experimental binding energies of baryon’s ground state and the properties of deuteron, NN and YN scattering processes. By utilizing the same set of model parameters, we predicted the nonstrange

d^{*}

dibaryon with a binding energy of

84 MeV

, which is consistent with a recent experiment in which we also found that the hidden color (CC) channel plays an important role in forming this bound state. Due to the theoretical investigation of the CC channel being scarce for dibaryons, we explore other possible and interesting dibaryon candidates in the present work. According to the symmetry properties, we chose six interesting candidates, including strangeness

0, - 1, - 5, - 6

systems. All the hidden color wave functions were built, and the spin-flavor-color matrix elements were systematically evaluated. Then, we applied these obtained matrix elements to further dynamically solve the corresponding resonating group method’s equation in a coupled-channel calculation. The results show that the coupling to the CC channel plays an significant role in forming each spin S = 3 state, where tensor coupling is also included and has an obvious effect in forming each S = 0 state. The present work is significant in helping us to acquire deeper understanding of the effects of the hidden color channel and QCD phenomenology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry in Nuclear Physics: Model Calculations, Advances and Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 259 KiB

Open AccessArticle

On the Logical Structure of Composite Symmetries in Atomic Nuclei

by József Cseh

Symmetry 2023, 15(2), 371; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym15020371 - 30 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 989

Abstract

This investigation involves composite symmetries, which connect different components of atomic nuclei. In particular, supersymmetry (SUSY) connects boson and fermion sectors, and multiconfigurational symmetry (MUSY) bridges different configurations, such as shell, quartet, or cluster configurations. Both SUSY and MUSY contain a usual dynamical symmetry in each component, and further symmetry connects the components to each other. The varieties of the connecting symmetries and their logical structure are analyzed and compared. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry in Nuclear Physics: Model Calculations, Advances and Applications)

13 pages, 444 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Stellar β⁻ Decay Rates for ⁶³Co and ⁶³Ni by the Projected Shell Model

by Zi-Rui Chen and Long-Jun Wang

Symmetry 2023, 15(2), 315; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym15020315 - 22 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1063

Abstract

β^{-}

decay for

^{63}

Co-

^{63}

Ni-

^{63}

Cu region nuclei play important roles in core-collapse supernovae and the slow neutron-capture (s) process. In this work, the stellar

β^{-}

decay rates for

^{63}

Co and

^{63}

Ni are studied [...] Read more.

β^{-}

decay for

^{63}

Co-

^{63}

Ni-

^{63}

Cu region nuclei play important roles in core-collapse supernovae and the slow neutron-capture (s) process. In this work, the stellar

β^{-}

decay rates for

^{63}

Co and

^{63}

Ni are studied within the projected shell model where the effects of thermally populated parent-nucleus excited states are analyzed. For

^{63}

Co, the calculated stellar

β^{-}

decay rates are lower than the results of the conventional shell model. For the s-process branching point

^{63}

Ni, the

β^{-}

decay rate under a terrestrial condition is well described, and the calculated stellar

β^{-}

decay rates in the s-process condition turn out to increase with stellar temperature due to the contribution from parent-nucleus excited states. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry in Nuclear Physics: Model Calculations, Advances and Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 398 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hidden Euclidean Dynamical Symmetry in the U(n + 1) Vibron Model

by Yu Zhang, Zi-Tong Wang, Hong-Di Jiang and Xin Chen

Symmetry 2022, 14(10), 2219; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym14102219 - 21 Oct 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1104

Abstract

Based on the boson realization of the Euclidean algebras, it is found that the E(n) dynamical symmetry (DS) may emerge at the critical point of the U(n)-SO(

n + 1

) quantum phase transition. To justify this finding, we [...] Read more.

Based on the boson realization of the Euclidean algebras, it is found that the E(n) dynamical symmetry (DS) may emerge at the critical point of the U(n)-SO(

n + 1

) quantum phase transition. To justify this finding, we provide a detailed analysis of the transitional Hamiltonian in the U(

n + 1

) vibron model in both quantal and classical ways. It is further shown that the low-lying structure of

^{82}

Kr can serve as an excellent empirical realization of the E(5) DS, which provides a specific example of the Euclidean DS in experiments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry in Nuclear Physics: Model Calculations, Advances and Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

57 pages, 854 KiB

Open AccessReview

Multiple Multi-Orbit Pairing Algebras in Nuclei

by Venkata Krishna Brahmam Kota and Rankanidhi Sahu

Symmetry 2023, 15(2), 497; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym15020497 - 13 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 5380

Abstract

The algebraic group theory approach to pairing in nuclei is an old subject and yet it continues to be important in nuclear structure, giving new results. It is well known that for identical nucleons in the shell model approach with j − j coupling, pairing algebra is SU(2) with a complementary number-conserving Sp(N) algebra and for nucleons with good isospin, it is SO(5) with a complementary number-conserving Sp(2Ω) algebra. Similarly, with L − S coupling and isospin, the pairing algebra is SO(8). On the other hand, in the interacting boson models of nuclei, with identical bosons (IBM-1) the pairing algebra is SU(1, 1) with a complementary number-conserving

S O (N)

algebra and for the proton–neutron interacting boson model (IBM-2) with good F-spin, it is SO(3, 2) with a complementary number-conserving SO(Ω^B) algebra. Furthermore, in IBM-3 and IBM-4 models several pairing algebras are possible. With more than one j or ℓ orbit in shell model, i.e., in the multi-orbit situation, the pairing algebras are not unique and we have the new paradigm of multiple pairing [SU(2), SO(5) and SO(8)] algebras in shell models and similarly there are multiple pairing algebras [SU(1, 1), SO(3, 2) etc.] in interacting boson models. A review of the results for multiple multi-orbit pairing algebras in shell models and interacting boson models is presented in this article with details given for multiple SU(2), SO(5), SU(1, 1) and SO(3, 2) pairing algebras. Some applications of these multiple pairing algebras are discussed. Finally, multiple SO(8) pairing algebras in shell model and pairing algebras in IBM-3 model are briefly discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry in Nuclear Physics: Model Calculations, Advances and Applications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

34 pages, 2488 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceReview

The Proxy-SU(3) Symmetry in Atomic Nuclei

by Dennis Bonatsos, Andriana Martinou, Spyridon Kosmas Peroulis, Theodoros John Mertzimekis and Nikolay Minkov

Symmetry 2023, 15(1), 169; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym15010169 - 06 Jan 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 7315

Abstract

The microscopic origins and the current predictions of the proxy-SU(3) symmetry model of atomic nuclei were reviewed. Beginning with experimental evidence for the special roles played by nucleon pairs with maximal spatial overlap, the proxy-SU(3) approximation scheme is introduced; its validity is demonstrated through Nilsson model calculations and its connection to the spherical shell model. The major role played by the highest weight-irreducible representations of SU(3) in shaping up the nuclear properties is pointed out, resulting in parameter-free predictions of the collective variables

β

and

γ

for even–even nuclei in the explanation of the dominance of prolate over oblate shapes in the ground states of even–even nuclei, in the prediction of a shape/phase transition from prolate to oblate shapes below closed shells, and in the prediction of specific islands on the nuclear chart in which shape coexistence is confined. Further developments within the proxy-SU(3) scheme are outlined. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry in Nuclear Physics: Model Calculations, Advances and Applications)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Symmetry in Nuclear Physics: Model Calculations, Advances and Applications

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (7 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI