Phenomenological properties of nuclei

1) Introduction - nucleon structure of nucleus 6) Magnetic and electric moments

2) Sizes of nuclei 7) Stability and instability of nuclei
3) Masses and bounding energies of nuclei 8) Exotic nuclei
4) Energy states of nuclei 9) Nature of nuclear forces
5) Spins
 Introduction – nucleon structure of nuclei.
Atomic nucleus consists of nucleons (protons and neutrons).
Number of protons (atomic number) – Z. Total number nucleons (nucleon number) – A.
A
Number of neutrons – N = A-Z. Z Pr N
Different nuclei with the same number of protons – isotopes. Different nuclei – nuclides.
Different nuclei with the same number of neutrons – isotones. Nuclei with N1 = Z2 and
Different nuclei with the same number of nucleons – isobars. N2 = Z1 – mirror nuclei
Neutral atoms have the same number of electrons inside atomic electron shell as protons inside
Proton number gives also charge of nucleus: Qj = Z·e nucleus.
(Direct confirmation of charge value in scattering experiments – from Rutherford equation
for scattering (dσ/dΩ) = f(Z2))
Atomic nucleus can be relatively stable in ground state or in excited state to higher
energy – isomers (τ > 10-9s).
A
Stable nuclei have A and Z which fulfill approximately empirical equation: Z 
1.98  0.0155A 2/3
Reliably known nuclei are up to Z=112 in present time (discovery of nuclei with Z=114, 116
(Dubna) needs confirmation).
Nuclei up to Z=83 (Bi) have at least one stable isotope. Po (Z=84) has not stable isotope.
Th , U a Pu have T1/2 comparable with age of Earth.
Maximal number of stable isotopes is for Sn (Z=50) - 10 (A =112, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120,
122, 124).
Total number of known isotopes of one element is till 38. Number of known nuclides: 3104 (r. 2011).
 Sizes of nuclei
Distribution of mass or charge in nucleus are determined.
We use mainly scattering of charged or neutral particles on nuclei.
Density ρ of matter and charge is constant inside nucleus and we observe fast density decrease on
the nucleus boundary. The density distribution can be described very well for spherical nuclei by
relation (Woods-Saxon): 0
 (r )   (r R )
1 e
where α is diffusion coefficient. Nucleus radius R is distance from the center, where density is half of
maximal value. Approximate relation R = f(A) can be derived from measurements: R = r0A1/3

where we obtained from measurement r0 = 1,2(1) 10-15 m = 1,2(2) fm (α = 1,8 fm-1). This shows on
permanency of nuclear density. Using Avogardo constant
Am p mp 1.67 10  27 kg
or using proton mass:    we obtain   1017 kg/m3.
4  R 3
3
4  r03
3 
4  1.2 10  15 m 3
3

High energy electron scattering (charge distribution)  smaller r0.
Neutron scattering (mass distribution)  larger r0.

Larger volume of neutron matter is done by larger number

of neutrons at nuclei (in the other case the volume of protons
should be larger because Coulomb repulsion).

Distribution of mass density connected with charge ρ = f(r)

measured by electron scattering with energy 1 GeV
Deformed nuclei – all nuclei are not spherical, together with smaller values of deformation of some
nuclei in ground state the superdeformation (2:1  3:1) was observed for highly excited states. They
are determined by measurements of electric quadruple moments and electromagnetic transitions
between excited states of nuclei.
Neutron and proton halo – light nuclei with relatively large excess of neutrons or protons
→ weakly bounded neutrons and protons form halo around central part of nucleus.
Experimental determination of nuclei sizes:
1) Scattering of different particles on nuclei: Sufficient energy of incident particles is necessary
for studies of sizes r = 10-14m. De Broglie wave length λ = h/p < r:
Neutrons: mnc2 >> EKIN →  h/ 2mE KIN → EKIN > 16 MeV
Electrons: mec2 << EKIN → λ = hc/EKIN → EKIN > 100 MeV
2) Measurement of roentgen spectra of mion atoms: They have mions in place of electrons (mμ
= 207 me): μ,e – interact with nucleus only by electromagnetic interaction. Mions are ~200 nearer
to nucleus → „feel“ size of nucleus (K-shell radius is for mion at Pb 3 fm ~ size of nucleus)
3) Isotopic shift of spectral lines: The splitting of spectral lines is observed in hyperfine structure of
spectra of atoms with different isotopes – depends on charge distribution – nuclear radius.
2
4) Coulomb energy of nucleus: Reduction of Coulomb energy EC and the same 3 e
EC  Z2
reduction off binding energy of nucleus (energy of uniformly charged sphere) 5 RC

Mirror nuclei – same nuclear binding energy, different Coulomb energy. Difference of binding
energy is given by EC difference.
5) Study of α decay: The nuclear radius can be determined using relation between probability of
α particle production and its kinetic energy.
 Masses of nuclei
Nucleus has Z protons and N=A-Z neutrons. Naive conception of nuclear masses:
M(A,Z) = Zmp+(A-Z)mn
where mp is proton mass (mp  938.27 MeV/c2) and mn is neutron mass (mn  939.56 MeV/c2)
where MeV/c2 = 1.78210-30 kg, we use also mass unit: mu = u = 931.49 MeV/c2 = 1.66010-27 kg.
Then mass of nucleus is given by relative atomic mass Ar=M(A,Z)/mu.

Real masses are smaller – nucleus is stable against decay because of energy conservation law.
Mass defect ΔM: ΔM(A,Z) = M(A,Z) – (Zm + (A-Z)m )
p n

It is equivalent to energy released by connection of single nucleons to nucleus - binding energy

B(A,Z) = - ΔM(A,Z) c2

Binding energy per one nucleon B/A:

Maximal is for nucleus 56Fe (Z=26, B/A=8.79 MeV).

Possible energy sources:

1) Fusion of light nuclei
2) Fission of heavy nuclei
8.79 MeV/nucleon  1.4·10-13 J/1,66·10-27 kg = 8.7·1013 J/kg
(gasoline burning: 4.7·107 J/kg) Binding energy per one nucleon for stable nuclei
Measurement of masses and binding energies:

Mass spectroscopy:
Mass spectrographs and spectrometers use particle motion in electric and magnetic fields:

Mass m=p2/2EKIN can be determined by comparison of momentum and kinetic energy. We use
passage of ions with charge Q through “energy filter” and “momentum filter”, which are realized
using electric
 and
 magnetic fields:     
FE QE and then F = QE FB Qv B for Bv is FB = QvB
Velocity filtr: v = E/B
The study of Audi and Wapstra from 1993 (systematic review of nuclear masses) names 2650
different isotopes. Mass is determined for 1825 of them.
Frequency of revolution in magnetic field of ion storage ring is used. Momenta are equilibrated by
electron cooling → for different masses → different velocity and frequency.

Comparison of frequencies (masses)

of ground and isomer states of
52
Mn. Measured at GSI Darmstadt

Electron cooling of
storage ring ESR
at GSI Darmstadt
 At GSI Darmstadt fragment separator (FSR) makes possible to produce different isotopes and
storage ring (ESR) makes possible to measure big number of nuclear masses. Accuracy is ΔM = 0,1
MeV/c2, that means relative accuracy ΔM/M ~ 10-6. Possibility to measure also very short isotopes τ >
30 s (with electron cooling), τ ≈ μs (without electron cooling).
Similar device is at CERN (ISOLDE)
Exploitation of reaction energy balance:
Useful also in the case where mass spectroscopy is not working (neutral particles).
Determination of neutron mass as example:
1) We measure energy of γ quantum essential for deuteron split: 1 d   0 n 1 H  B
2 1 1

2) Deuteron mass is: md = mn + mH - B

3) Masses of hydrogen and deuteron are measured by spectroscopy.

4) Neutron mass is: mn = (md - mH) + B.
Masses of other instable particles and nuclei can be determined by this method (ΔM/M ~ 10-8).
Are nucleons localized at nuclei? B/A  8 MeV /A Energy necessary for nucleon separation  8 MeV
De Broglie wave length  = h/p  binding state condition 2r = n (n natural number)  /2
shows typical size. 8 MeV << 939 MeV → nonrelativistic approximation
h h 2  c 2 3,14 197MeV fm
    10fm are Agree with nuclear sizes.
p 2m 0 E KIN 2m 0 c 2 E KIN 2 940 8MeV
Can be electrons localized at nuclei? Electron with EKIN = 8 MeV is relativistic even ultrarelativistic:
h 2c 2 3,14 197MeV fm can not
   155fm
p E KIN 8MeV
 Excited energy states
Nucleus can be both in ground state and in state with higher energy – excited state
Every excited state – corresponding energy→ energy level
Quantum physics → discrete values of possible energies
Scheme of energy levels:
Deexcitation of excited nucleus from higher level to lower one by photon irradiation (gamma ray)
or direct transfer of energy to electron from electron cloud of atom – irradiation of conversion
electron. Nucleus is not changed. Or by decay (particle emission). Nucleus is changed.

Three types of nuclear excited states:

1) Particle – nucleons at excited state EPART
2) Vibrational – vibration of nuclei EVIB
3) Rotational – rotation of deformed nuclei EROT
(quantum spherical object can not have rotational energy)
it is valid: EPART >> EVIB >> EROT

Energy level structure of 66Cu nucleus

(measured at GANIL – France,
experiment E243)
Obtaining of excited state of nuclei:
1) Beta or alpha decays
2) Inelastic scattering of charged particles or nuclei – Coulomb excitation
3) Nuclear reactions
The big number of different isotopes can be produced using the fragment separators and radioactive
beams make possible.
Isotope identification
obtained by device
LISE (GANIL-France)

Experiment E243
(LISE-GANIL-France)

Measurement of properties of transitions between excited states:

1) Energy spectra and angular distribution of gamma rays
2) Energy spectra of conversion electrons

Measurement of excited state properties:

Energy spectra and angular distribution of particles
from scattering or reactions Gamma ray spectrum of deexcitation of
70
Ni levels (experiment E243)
 Spins of nuclei
Protons and neutrons have spin 1/2. Vector sum of spins and orbital angular momenta is
total angular momentum of nucleus I which is named as spin of nucleus
Orbital angular momenta of nucleons have integral values → nuclei with even A – integral spin
nuclei with odd A – half-integral spin
  
Classically angular momentum is define l  r p . At quantum physic by appropriate operator,
ˆ ˆas ˆ
which fulfill commutating relations: l l i l

There are valid such rules:

̂ 
1) Eigenvalues I 2are ˆI 2 I(I  1) 2, where number I = 0, 1/2, 1, 3/2, 2, 5/2 …
angular momentum magnitude is |I| = ħ [I(I+1)]1/2
2) From commutation
̂2 relations it results, that vector components can not be observed individually.
Simultaneously I and only one component – for example Iz can be observed .
3) Components (spin projections) can take values Iz = Iħ, (I-1)ħ, (I-2)ħ, … -(I-1)ħ, -Iħ together 2I+1
values.
4) Angular momentum is given by number I = max(Iz). Spin corresponding to orbital angular
momentum of nucleons is only integral: I ≡ l = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, … (s, p, d, f, g, h, …),
intrinsic spin of nucleon is I ≡ s = 1/2.
ˆ ˆ 
5) Superposition for single nucleon j  l  ŝ leads to j = l  1/2. Superposition for system of more
particles is diverse. Extreme cases:
      ˆ ˆ
jj-coupling, where
LS-coupling, where ˆI Lˆ  Sˆ, Lˆ  ˆli , Sˆ  ŝi I  ji
i
i i
 Magnetic and electric momenta

Magnetic dipole moment μ is connected to existence of spin I and charge Ze. It is given by relation:
 
 g j I  g jI
where g is g-factor (sometimes named also as e
gyromagnetic ratio) and μj is nuclear magneton: j  3.15 10  14 MeVT  1
2m p c
Bohr magneton: e
B  5.79 10  11 MeVT  1
2m e c
For point like particle g = 2 (for electron agreement μe = 1.0011596 μB). For nucleons μp = 2.79 μj
and μn = -1.91 μj – anomalous magnetic moments show complicated structure of these particles.
Magnetic moments of nuclei are only μ = -3 μj  10 μj, even-even nuclei μ = I = 0 → confirmation
of small spins, strong pairing and absence of electrons at nuclei.

Electric momenta:

Electric dipole momentum: is connected with charge polarization of system. Assumption: nuclear
charge in the ground state is distributed uniformly → electric dipole momentum is zero.
Agree with experiment.

Electric quadruple moment Q: gives difference of charge distribution from spherical. Assumption:
Nucleus is rotational ellipsoid with uniformly distributed charge Ze: 2
Q  Z(c 2  a 2 )
(c,a are main split axles of ellipsoid) deformation δ = (c-a)/R = ΔR/R 5
Results of measurements:

1) Most of nuclei have Q = 10-29 10-30 m2 → δ ≤ 0.1

2) In the region A ~ 150  180 and A ≥ 250 large values are measured: Q ~ 10-27 m2. They are
larger than nucleus area. → δ ~ 0.2  0.3 → deformed nuclei.

Generally apply to:

1) All odd electric multiple moments disappeared

2) All even magnetic multiple moments disappeared
3) For state with total angular momentum I, mean value of all moments, which order of multiple
L > 2I disappeared. Nuclei with I = 0,1/2 has not electric quadruple moment.

Measurement of magnetic moments

Magnetic dipole moments of nucleus are measured by their interaction with magnetic field. Energy of

magnetic dipole in magnetic field is:
B E mag  B

A) Magnetic moments of nuclei can be obtained from splitting hyperfine structure (interaction
between electron cloud and nucleus).
B) On the base of motion of magnetic dipole through magnetic fields:
1) Beam of neutral atoms come through inhomogeneous magnetic field  force : F = ZBZ/z
acts on magnetic moment, oriented it and focused beam to the point C.
(Axe z is in the direction of magnetic field changes)
2) Homogeneous magnetic field of magnet C not created force. In this place orientation of
magnetic dipole is changed by high frequency field (induced by dipole transitions)
with frequency  = ΔEmag /ħ obtained by induction coil.
3) Inhomogeneous magnetic field B focused on detector only atoms with changed orientation.
Atoms with not changed orientation are loosed.

Source HF

Detector

C) Measurement of magnetic resonance: Sample is placed to homogeneous magnetic field. Energy

difference corresponding to different projections of angular momentum IZ : ΔEmag = gμΔIZB.
For dipole transitions ΔIZ = ±1 : ΔEmag = ħ L = gμB → L = (1/ħ) gμB where L is
Larmor frequency. Resonance is observed by energy absorption at induction coil.
 Stability and instability of nuclei
Stable nuclei: for small A (<40) is valid Z = N, for heavier nuclei N  1,7 Z. This dependence can be
express more accurately by empirical relation: A
Z
1.98  0.0155A 2/3
For stable heavy nuclei excess of neutrons → charge density and destabilizing influence of Coulomb
repulsion is smaller for larger number of neutrons.
N Z number of stable nuclei
Even-even nuclei are more stable → existence of pairing
even even 156
even odd 48
odd even 50
odd odd 5
Magic numbers – observed values of N and Z with increased stability.
At 1896 H. Becquerel observed first sign of instability of nuclei – radioactivity. Instable
nuclei irradiate:
Alpha decay → nucleus transformation by 4He irradiation
Beta decay → nucleus transformation by e-, e+ irradiation or capture of electron from atomic cloud
Gamma decay → nucleus is not changed, only deexcitation by photon or converse electron irradiation
Spontaneous fission → fission of very heavy nuclei to two nuclei
Proton emission → nucleus transformation by proton emission

Nuclei with livetime in the ns region are studied in present time. They are bordered by:
proton stability border during leave from stability curve to proton excess (separative energy
of proton decreases to 0) and neutron stability border – the same for neutrons. Energy level
width Γ of excited nuclear state and its decay time τ are connected together by relation τΓ ≈ h.
Boundery for decay time Γ < ΔE (ΔE – distance of levels) ΔE~ 1 MeV→ τ >> 6·10-22s.
 Exotic nuclei
Nuclei far away from stability curve: 1) with large excess of neutrons
2) with large deficit of neutrons (excess of protons)

Effort to study all isotopes between boundaries of proton and neutron stability.
Double magic nuclei: 100Sn is such nucleus with maximal numbers of neutrons and protons

Firstly observed at GSI Darmstadt at Germany and at GANIL Caen at France

Highly excited states: 1) with very high energy
2) with very high spin
3) with large deformation → quadruple moments
(superdeformed till hyperdeformed)

Cases of observation of nucleus

100
Sn at GSI Darmstadt Device for exotic nuclei studies at GSI Darmstadt
Superheavy nuclei: for large A and Z stability is increasing – existence of magic numbers → existence
of stability island. Nuclei up to Z = 112 and also 114 and 116 (mainly GSI Darmstadt, JINR Dubna
and Berkeley) were confirmed and have names, discovery of element 113 have been confirmed just
now. Elements with Z = 115, 117 and 118
(Dubna and Berkeley) need confirmation.

Table of isotopes in the region of superheavy

elements (situation in 2000)

Hypernuclei: One or more neutrons are changed by neutral hyperon Λ. ΛH3, ΛHe5, ΛLi9,
ΛO , ΛFe56, ΛBi , ΛΛHe6, ΛΛBe8). Other hyperons (Σ, Ξ, Ω) interact strongly with nucleons and
16 209

they decay quickly to Λ (reactions with strangeness conversation) → hypernucleus is not produced.
First discoveries (1952) during cosmic rays studies. Today more than 33 hypernuclei are known.
Production by intensive meson beams. Decay time τ ≈ τΛ ≈10-10s.
They make possible to study influence of strangeness on nuclear force properties – demonstrate
existence of attractive forces between Λ and nucleons (BΛp < Bnp).
Antinuclei: antiproton, antineutron, antilambda, pozitron and other antiparticles are produced.
Possible existence of antinuclei. Up to now only the lights: antideuteron, antihelium 3

Antiatoms: First antiatom (antihydrogen) at CERN (1996) – creation of electron and positron pair
during antiproton movement through electromagnetic field of nuclei was used (it resolves
problem of positron capture by antiproton).
One case of antihydrogen anihilation –
production of 4 mesons  (p + anti-p)
and 2  (e + e+)
Antiproton decelerator at CERN makes possible production of
thousands antihydrogens, capture of antiprotons to
magnetic trap, mixture with positrons → creation of
antihydrogen – detection by anihilation

Exotic atoms: 1) mion atoms – electron is changed by mion

2) positronium – bound system consists of electron
and positron
3) antiprotonic helium atoms – bound system consists
of nucleus and antiproton

Halo nuclei: consist of strongly bounded core

often stable isotope and very weak bounded
neutrons or protons around
Borromean nuclei: weakly bound system, every
its part is not bounded alone
 Nature of nuclear forces
The forces inside nuclei are electromagnetic interaction (Coulomb repulsion), weak (beta decay)
but mainly strong nuclear interaction (it bonds nucleus together).
For Coulomb interaction binding energy is B  Z (Z-1)  B/Z  Z for large Z  non saturated
forces with long range.

For nuclear force binding energy is B/A  const – done by short range and saturation
of nuclear forces. Maximal range ~1.7 fm

Nuclear forces are attractive (bond nucleus together), for very short distances (~0.4 fm) they
are repulsive (nucleus does not collapse). More accurate form of nuclear force potential can be
obtained by scattering of nucleons on nucleons or nuclei.

Charge independency – cross sections of nucleon scattering

are not dependent on their electric charge. → For nuclear
forces neutron and proton are two different states of single
particle - nucleon. New quantity isospin T is define for
their description. Nucleon has than isospin T = 1/2 with two
possible orientation TZ = +1/2 (proton) and TZ = -1/2
(neutron). Formally we work with isospin as with spin.
 Spin dependence – explains existence of stable deuteron (it exists only at triplet state – s = 1 and no
at singlet - s = 0) and absence of di-neutron. This property is studied by scattering experiments
using oriented beams and targets.

Tenzor charakter – interaction between two nucleons depends on angle between spin directions
and direction of join of particles.

Expect strong interaction electric force influences also. Nucleus has positive charge and for positive
charged particle this force produces Coulomb barrier (range of electric force is larger then this of
strong force). Appropriate potential has form V(r) ~ Q/r.

In the case of scattering centrifugal barier given by angular momentum of incident particle acts in
addition.
Exchange nature of nuclear forces:

short range → nonzero rest mass of intermediate particles. H. Yukawa proposed corresponding
potential e mcr 
V(r) 
r
where m is mass of intermediate particle and ћ /mc is its Compton wave length. We put Compton
length equal to range R of nuclear forces and we determine mass of intermediate particle:
c c 197 MeVfm
mc 2    120MeV
 R 1.7 fm

Intermediate particles with similar masses were discovered and named as π mesons. Attractive
and repulsive nuclear force is than intermediated exchange of charged and neutral mesons:

p + π - → n, n + π + → p, p + π0 → p, n + π0 → n

Protons and neutrons emit and absorb mesons. Why their masses are not changed?

Uncertainty principle: ΔEΔt ≥ ћ → violation of energy conservation is allowed if it is shorter then

ћ/ΔE. Maximal range of nuclear forces is R = 1.7 fm. Then the smallest time of nucleon transit is:
Δt = R/c. Value of violation of energy conservation is during emission of meson with mass mπ: ΔE
= mπc2. If time of violation will be Δt we obtain for maximal possible energy violation (meson
mass): mπc2 = ћc/R (the same as earlier shown)

Further mesons (η, ρ, φ …) were found, also two-meson exchange.