Odd-even shape staggering and kink structure of charge radii of Hg isotopes by the deformed relativistic Hartree–Bogoliubov theory in continuum

Abstract

We examined the shape staggering of relative charge radii in 180−186Hg isotopes, which was first measured in 1977 and recently confirmed using advanced spectroscopy techniques. To understand the nuclear structure underlying this phenomenon, we employed the deformed relativistic Hartree–Bogoliubov theory in continuum (DRHBc). Our analysis revealed that the shape staggering can be attributed to nuclear shape transition in the Hg isotopes. Specifically, we demonstrated that prolate shapes of 181,183,185Hg lead to an increase in the charge radii compared to oblate shapes of 180,182,184,186Hg isotopes. We explained the nuclear shape staggering in terms of the evolution of occupation probability (OP) of ν1i13/2, ν1h9/2, π1h9/2, and π3s1/2 states. Additionally, we clarified the kink structure of the charge radii in the Hg isotopes near N=126 magic shell does not come from the change of the OP of π1h9/2 state, but mainly by the increase of the OPs of ν1i11/2 and ν2g9/2 states. © 2023 The Authors