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Various decay modes in superheavy nuclei have been of significant interest among which cluster radioactivity has recently gained sizable attention. The {\alpha}-decay being a predominant decay mode in the superheavy region, the accurate determination of cluster decay half-lives is also crucial in this region as it has tremendous potential to be explored as one of the major decay channels. The usability of the Royer analytical formula [Nuclear Physics A 683 (2001) 182], which is based on the asymmetric fission model, has been investigated for the cluster and {\alpha} decay in superheavy region, by comparing it with several other (semi)empirical/analytical formulas. After fitting the formula on around 100 cluster-decay data and around 423 {\alpha}-decay data, the refitted Royer formula (RRF) is found to be very robust which is able to estimate the cluster decay and {\alpha}-decay half-lives with good accuracy. In fact, a comparison of the half-lives of both the decay modes using the same formula points towards a substantial chance of heavy cluster (Kr and Sr) decay from various isotopes of Z=118 and 120. Hence, the formula proposed in this study works fairly well for the estimation of cluster decay half-lives in superheavy regions where most empirical formulas fail to match with the half-lives from the various established theories., Comment: 17 pages, 4 figures, Accepted in Nuclear Physics A

Spin and parity dependent nuclear level densities (NLDs) are obtained for configuration interaction shell model using a numerically efficient spectral distribution method. The calculations are performed for $^{24}$Na, $^{25,26,27}$Mg nuclei using full $sd$-$pf$ model space that incorporates the cross-shell excitations from $sd$ to $pf$-shell. The NLDs so obtained are then employed to determine the s-wave neutron resonance spacing (D$_0$) which is one of the crucial inputs for the predictions of astrophysical reaction rates. Though the considered nuclei are not neutron-rich, the contributions from cross-shell excitations to $pf$-shell are indispensable to explain the experimental data for D$_0$ which otherwise are significantly overestimated., Comment: Accepted in J. Phys. G Nucl. Part. Phys

In a rapidly changing shape phase region, the presence of shape coexistence and its possible impact on the decay modes and half$-$lives, has been explored in astrophysically interesting Mo and Ru isotopes, in an extensive study within the microscopic theoretical framework using Nilsson Strutinsky Method and Relativistic Mean Field Model. The isotopic chains of Mo and Ru exhibit rapid shape phase transitions, triaxial $\gamma$ softness, shape instability along with many coexisting states mostly with oblate and triaxial shapes. Proton and neutron separation energies have been calculated and compared with the available data. Results obtained from both the formalisms are in good agreement with each other as well as the available experimental data. Our computed $\beta-$decay half$-$lives and separation energy for nuclei exhibiting shape coexistence were examined for the decay mode from second minima state of the parent nuclei to the ground or excited state of the daughter nuclei. The second minima state of the coexisting shapes in Mo and Ru isotopes, were seen to impact the structural properties, $\beta-$decay half$-$lives, separation energy and hence the stability of the nuclei., Comment: 23 pages, 13 figures

A detailed study of $\alpha$-clusters decay is exhibited by incorporating crucial microscopic nuclear structure information into the estimations of half-life and preformation factor. For the first time, using the k-cross validation approach, two semi-empirical formulas for (i) $\alpha$-decay half-life and (ii) $\alpha$-particle preformation factor, are picked out and subsequently modified by including shell, odd-nucleon blocking, and asymmetry effects along with the usual dependence on $\alpha$-decay energy ($Q_{\alpha}$) and angular momentum of $\alpha$-particle. Both the formulas are fitted for the two different regions separated by neutron number N$=$126, as from the experimental systematics the role of N$=$126 shell closure is found decisive in determining the trends of $Q_{\alpha}$, $\alpha$-decay half-life, and $\alpha$-particle preformation factor. It is found that the inclusion of the above-mentioned degrees of freedom significantly reduces the errors in the estimations when compared with several other similar modified/refitted semi-empirical relations indicating the robustness of the proposed formulas. The predictions of $\alpha$-decay half-life throughout the periodic chart have been made including the unknown territory, future probable decay chain of self-conjugate nucleus $^{112}$Ba terminated on $^{100}$Sn, decay chain of $^{208}$Pa through new isotope $^{204}$Ac as well as decay chains of awaiting superheavy nuclei $^{298}$Og and $^{299}$120., Comment: 13 pages, 7 Figures, Accepted in European Physical Journal A (2024)

A simple relation $(aZ_{c} + b)(Z_{d}/Q)^{1/2} + (cZ_{c} + d)$ of estimation of the half-life of cluster emission is further improved for cluster and $\alpha$-decays, separately, by incorporating isospin of parent nucleus as well as angular momentum taken away by the emitted particle. This improved version is not only found robust in producing experimental half-lives belonging to the trans-tin and trans-lead regions but also elucidates cluster emission in superheavy nuclei over the usual $\alpha$-decay. Considering daughter nuclei around the doubly magic $^{100}$Sn and $^{208}$Pb nuclei for trans-tin and trans-lead (including superheavy) parents, respectively, a systematic and extensive study of 56$\leq$Z$\leq$120 isotopes is performed for the light and heavy cluster emissions. A fair competition among cluster emission, $\alpha$-decay, spontaneous fission, and $\beta$-decay is observed in this broad range resulting in a substantial probability of C to Sr clusters from several nuclei, which demonstrates the adequacy of shell effects. The present article proposes a single, improved, latest-fitted, and effective formula of cluster radioactivity that can be used to estimate precise half-lives for a wide range of the periodic chart from trans-tin to superheavy nuclei., Comment: 12 pages, 2 Figures, 5 Tables, Accepted in European Physics Journal A

A comprehensive study of favoured and unfavoured $\alpha$-decay, cluster decay, weak-decay along with spontaneous fission in undetected superheavy nuclei within the range for proton number 111$\leq$Z$\leq$118 and neutron number 161$\leq$N$\leq$192 is performed. Half-lives for various mentioned decays are estimated with good accuracy on the basis of NUBASE2020 and are found in excellent match with the known half-lives. $\alpha$-decay mode is found most probable in this wide range and correspondingly potential $\alpha$-decay chains are reckoned. Peculiarly, the chances of cluster emission, as well as weak-decay, are also anticipated in this region of the periodic chart which open new pathways of detection of superheavy nuclei., Comment: 24 pages, 6 figures, 5 tables, Accepted in Physica Scripta

Background: The density dependence of nuclear symmetry energy is crucial in determining several properties of finite nuclei to the neutron stars with mass $\sim$ 1.4 $M_\odot$. The values of neutron skin thickness, isovector giant dipole resonances energies and various nuclear reaction cross-sections in asymmetric nuclei have been utilized to determine the slope of symmetry energy ($L_0$) at the saturation density. Recent PREX-II and CREX measurements of neutron skin thickness in $^{208}$Pb and $^{48}$Ca nuclei yield very different values of $L_0$ which overlap marginally within 90$\%$ confidence interval. Purpose: Our objective is to demonstrate the role of symmetry energy on the sub-barrier fusion cross-section and the astrophysical $S$-factor for asymmetric nuclei. Method: The nucleus nucleus potentials are generated using the double folding model (DFM) for three different nucleon-nucleon interactions. These DFM potentials are used for the calculation of the sub-barrier fusion cross-section and the astrophysical $S$-factor. The nucleon densities required for DFM potentials are generated from different families of non-relativistic and relativistic mean-field models which correspond to a wide range of neutron skin thickness or $L_0$. Results: We have calculated the sub-barrier fusion cross-section for several asymmetric nuclei involving O, Ca, Ni, and Sn isotopes. The results are presented for the barrier parameters, cross-section, and astrophysical $S$-factor for $^{54}$Ca+$^{54}$Ca and $^{124}$Sn+$^{124}$Sn as a function of neutron skin thickness. Conclusions: The cross-section for the neutron-rich nuclei show a strong dependence on the behavior of symmetry energy or the neutron skin thickness. The increase in skin thickness lowers the height of the barrier as well as its width which enhances the values of the $S$-factor by more than an order of magnitude., Comment: 8 pages, 7 figures

The possibility of cluster emission from trans-lead (86$\leq$Z$\leq$96) region of periodic chart has been explored comprehensively by employing few empirical formulas which are modified by adding angular momentum ($l$) or isospin-dependent ($I=(N-Z)/A$) or both terms for the calculation of cluster decay half-lives. These modified versions of the formulas are found with lesser ${\chi}^2$ per degree of freedom and root mean-square error, in addition to the smaller values of some other statistical parameters, while compared to their corresponding old versions on available 61 experimental data of cluster radioactivity. By applying the modified version of the formula given by Balasubramaniam \textit{et al.} [PRC 70 (2004) 017301], the most accurate formula among these, half-lives of several clusters i.e. isotopes of Be, B, C, N, O, F, Ne, Na, Mg, and Si are predicted systematically for the several isotopes in the trans-lead region. The contest of cluster emission with $\alpha$-decay has been investigated in form of branching ratio which brings several potential cluster emissions into the probable decay modes of these nuclei. The accurate prediction of half-lives of such clusters is expected to be crucial for the future experimental observations where $\alpha$-decay is observed dominantly., Comment: 13 pages, 2 figures, Accepted in Nuclear Physics A

Effect of deformation on half-life of two-proton (2p) radioactivity is investigated across the periodic chart for nuclei with Z$<$82. 2p-decay half-lives are estimated by employing our newly proposed semi-empirical formula wherein the nuclear deformation has been incorporated in a phenomenological way. Robustness of the formula is demonstrated as it estimates the measured values quite accurately and, hence, reliably applied to predict the other possible 2p-emitters. For many proton rich nuclei for which experimental data on the decay energies are not available, we have used the theoretical values obtained from our calculations using the relativistic mean-field (RMF) approach. The uncertainties in the theoretical decay energy values are minimised by machine learning (ML) technique. Correlation of 2p-radioactivity with 2p-halo and deformation is probed. Our calculations show the phenomenon of shape coexistence in several 2p-emitters, wherein the prolate shape is found to be more predominant for the ground state., Comment: 15 pages, 5 figures, Accepted in J. Phys. G: Nucl. Part. Phys

Realistic nuclear level densities (NLDs) obtained within the spectral distribution method (SDM) are employed to study nuclear processes of astrophysical interest. The merit of SDM lies in the fact that the NLDs corresponding to many body shell model Hamiltonian consisting of residual interaction can be obtained for the full configurational space without recourse to the exact diagnolization of huge matrices. We calculate NLDs and s-wave neutron resonance spacings which agree reasonably well with the available experimental data. By employing these NLDs, we compute reaction cross-sections and astrophysical reaction rates for radiative neutron capture in few Fe-group nuclei, and compare them with experimental data as well as with those obtained with NLDs from phenomenological and microscopic mean-field models. The results obtained for the NLDs from SDM are able to explain the experimental data quite well. These results are of particular importance since the configuration mixing through the residual interaction naturally accounts for the collective excitations. In the mean-field models, the collective effects are included through the vibrational and rotational enhancement factors and their NLDs are further normalized at low energies with neutron resonance data., Comment: Accepted in Physical Review C (2022)

Decay modes in Pb isotopes within the range 176$\leq$A$\leq$266 are investigated by the calculation of half-lives using several empirical formulas. These formulas along with various theoretical treatments are first tested to reproduce experimental half-lives and known decay modes of Pb isotopes, which are in consequence applied to estimate half-lives and decay modes of unknown Pb isotopes. A comparison between $\alpha$-decay and weak-decay from the stable to drip-line isotopes is canvassed which leads to the excellent match with experimental data and applicability of applied empirical formulas. In addition, the full chain of Pb isotopes is probed as potential daughter candidates of cluster emission from superheavy nuclei which ensued the predominant role of $^{208}$Pb and nearby isotopes in probable cluster emission., Comment: 12 pages, 2 figures, Accepted in Physica scripta, 2022

The variation of total nuclear level densities (NLDs) and level density parameters with proton number $(Z)$ are studied around the $\beta$-stable isotope, $Z_{0}$, for a given mass number. We perform our analysis for a mass range $A=40$ to 180 using the NLDs from popularly used databases obtained with the single-particle energies from two different microsopic mass-models. These NLDs which include microscopic structural effects such as collective enhancement, pairing and shell corrections, do not exhibit inverted parabolic trend with a strong peak at $Z_{0}$ as predicted earlier. We also compute the NLDs using the single-particle energies from macroscopic-microscopic mass-model. Once the collective and pairing effects are ignored, the inverted parabolic trends of NLDs and the corresponding level density parameters become somewhat visible. Nevertheless, the factor that governs the $(Z-Z_{0})$ dependence of the level density parameter, leading to the inverted parabolic trend, is found to be smaller by an order of magnitude. We further find that the $(Z-Z_{0})$ dependence of NLDs is quite sensitive to the shell effects., Comment: Accepted in Journal of Physics G: Nuclear and Particle Physics

The exotic phenomenon of two-neutron halos and 2n-radioactivity are explored in the neutron-rich $^{40,42,44}$Mg by employing various variants of the relativistic mean-field approach. The extended tail of spatial density distributions including the enhanced neutron radii and skin thickness, pairing correlations, single-particle spectrum and wave functions predict $^{40,42,44}$Mg to be strong candidates for deformed neutron halos. Weakening of magicity at N$=$28 plays a significant role in the existence of a weakly bound halo in $^{40}$Mg which is currently the heaviest isotope of Mg accessible experimentally. Large deformation, mixing of f-p shell Nilsson orbitals and the valence neutron occupancy of p-states leads to a reduced centrifugal barrier and broader spatial density distributions that favour 2n-radioactivity in $^{42,44}$Mg., Comment: 14 Pages, 7 Figures, Accepted in J Phys G: Nucl Part Phys

Various ground state properties are explored for full isotonic(isotopic) chain of neutron number N(proton number Z)$=$40 using different families of Relativistic Mean-Field theory. Several properties such as nucleon separation energies, pairing energies, deformation, radii and nucleon density distributions are evaluated and compared with the experimental data as well as those from other microscopic and macroscopic models. N$=$40 isotonic chain presents ample of support for the neutron magicity and articulates double magicity in recently discovered $^{60}$Ca and $^{68}$Ni. Our results are in close conformity with recently measured value of charge radius of $^{68}$Ni [S. Kaufmann \textit{et al.}, Phys. Rev. Lett. 124, 132502 (2020)] which supports the N$=$40 magicity. Contrarily, Zr isotopes (Z$=$40) display variety of shapes leading to the phenomenon of shape transitions and shape co-existence. The role of 3s$_{1/2}$ state, which leads to central depletion if unoccupied, is also investigated. $^{56}_{16}$S and $^{122}_{40}$Zr are found to be doubly bubble nuclei., Comment: Accepted in Int. J. Mod. Phys. E. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:1705.03315 by other authors

Experimental $\alpha$-decay half-life, spin, and parity of 398 nuclei in the range 50$\leq$Z$\leq$118 are utilized to propose a new formula (QF) with only 4 coefficients as well as to modify the Tagepera-Nurmia formula with just 3 coefficients (MTNF) by employing nonlinear regressions. These formulas, based on reduced mass ($\mu$) and angular momentum taken away by the $\alpha$-particle, are ascertained very effective for both favoured and unfavoured $\alpha$-decay in addition to their excellent match with all (Z, N) combinations of experimental $\alpha$-decay half-lives. After comparing with similar other empirical formulas of $\alpha$-decay half-life, QF and MTNF formulas are purported with accuracy, minimum uncertainty and deviation, dependency on least number of fitted coefficients together with less sensitivity to the uncertainties of $Q$-values. The QF formula is applied to predict $\alpha$-decay half-lives for 724 favoured and 635 unfavoured transitions having experimentally known $Q$-values. Moreover, these available $Q$-values are also employed to test various theoretical approaches viz. RMF, FRDM, WS4, RCHB, etc. along with machine learning method XGBoost for determining theoretical $Q$-values, incisively. Thereafter, using $Q$-values from the most precise theoretical treatment mentioned above along with the proposed formulas, probable $\alpha$-decay chains for Z$=$120 isotopes are identified., Comment: Accepted in Physica Scripta-IOPscience

Latest experimental and evaluated $\alpha$-decay half-lives between 82$\leq$Z$\leq$118 have been used to modify two empirical formulas: (i) Horoi scaling law [J. Phys. G \textbf{30}, 945 (2004)], and Sobiczewski formula [Acta Phys. Pol. B \textbf{36}, 3095 (2005)] by adding asymmetry dependent terms ($I$ and $I^2$) and refitting of the coefficients. The results of these modified formulas are found with significant improvement while compared with other 21 formulas, and, therefore, are used to predict $\alpha$-decay half-lives with more precision in the unknown superheavy region. The formula of spontaneous fission (SF) half-life proposed by Bao \textit{et al.} [J. Phys. G \textbf{42}, 085101 (2015)] is further modified by using ground-state shell-plus-pairing correction taken from FRDM-2012 and using latest experimental and evaluated spontaneous fission half-lives between 82$\leq$Z$\leq$118. Using these modified formulas, contest between $\alpha$-decay and SF is probed for the nuclei within the range 112$\leq$Z$\leq$118 and consequently probable half-lives and decay modes are estimated. Potential decay chains of $^{286-302}$Og and $^{287-303}$119 (168$\leq$N$\leq$184: island of stability) are analyzed which are found in excellent agreement with available experimental data. In addition, four different machine learning models: XGBoost, Random Forest (RF), Decision Trees (DTs), and Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) neural network are used to train a predictor for $\alpha$-decay and SF half-lives prediction. The prediction of decay modes using XGBoost and MLP are found in excellent agreement with available experimental decay modes along with our predictions obtained by above mentioned modified formulas., Comment: 24 Pages, 6 Figures, Accepted in Journal of Physics G (Nucl. and Part. Physics)

Transfermium nuclei (101$\leq$Z$\leq$110) are investigated thoroughly to describe structural properties viz. deformation, radii, shapes, magicity, etc. as well as their probable decay chains. These properties are explored using relativistic mean-field (RMF) approach and compared with other theories along with available experimental data. Neutron numbers N$=$152 and 162 have come forth with a deformed shell gap whereas N$=$184 is ensured as a spherical magic number. The region with N$>$168 bears witness of the phenomenon of shape transition and shape coexistence for all the considered isotopic chains. Experimental $\alpha$-decay half-lives are compared with our theoretical half-lives obtained by using various empirical/semi-empirical formulas. The recent formula proposed by Manjunatha \textit{et al.}, which results best among the considered 10 formulas, is further modified by adding asymmetry dependent terms ($I$ and $I^2$). This modified Manjunatha formula is utilized to predict probable $\alpha$-decay chains that are found in excellent agreement with available experimental data., Comment: 22 pages, 6 pages

In the unknown territory of transfermium nuclei, the relativistic mean-field (RMF) theory has been applied to probe decay modes which include $\alpha$-decay, spontaneous fission (SF), and a less explored weak-decay. These decay modes are analyzed on equal footing for 101$\leq$Z$\leq$109 and as a consequence, the half-lives for weak-decay are indeed found comparable for several isotopes. Our prediction of decay modes and half-lives are found in excellent agreement with available experimental decay modes and half-lives along with the results of some other theories. Out of $\alpha$, $\beta^+$/EC, $\beta^-$, and SF, the most probable decay mode is anticipated along with its half-life over a wide range of odd and even nuclei to frame a novel sight into terra incognita.

In this work, we identify a unique and novel feature of central density depletion in both proton and neutron named as doubly bubble nuclei in 50$\leq$Z(N)$\leq$82 region. The major role of 2d-3s single-particle (s.p.) states in the existence of halo and bubble nuclei is probed. The occupancy in s.p. state 3s$_{1/2}$ leads to the extended neutron density distribution or halo while the unoccupancy results in the central density depletion. By employing the Relativistic Mean-Field (RMF) approach along with NL3* parameter, the separation energies, single-particle energies, pairing energies, proton, and neutron density profiles along with deformations of even-even nuclei are investigated. Our results are in concise with few other theories and available experimental data. Emergence on new shell closure and the magicity of conventional shell closures are explored systematically in this yet unknown region., Comment: 13 figures, 18 pages

A systematic study of the central depletion of proton density has been performed in the isotonic chains of nuclei with neutron numbers $N = 20$ and $28$ using different variants of the relativistic mean-field (RMF) models. These models include either the non-linear contributions from the mesons with the coupling constants being density independent or the non-linearity of the mesonic fields realized through the density dependent coupling strengths. The central depletion in deformed nuclei tends to disappear irrespective of the occupancy of $2s_{1/2}$ state in contrast to the spherical nuclei in which the unoccupancy of $2s_{1/2}$ state leads to the central depletion. Due to the differences in the strength of spin-orbit potentials in these models, the central depletions are found to be model dependent. The influence of the central depletion on the neutron-skin thickness is also investigated. It appears that the effects of the central depletion do not percolate far enough to display its finger prints on the trends of the neutron-skin thickness., Comment: 17 pages, 9 figures, Accepted in Journal of Physics G: Nuclear and Particle Physics

Structural properties and the decay modes of the superheavy elements Z $=$ 122, 120, 118 are studied in a microscopic framework. We evaluate the binding energy, one- and two- proton and neutron separation energy, shell correction and density profile of even and odd isotopes of Z $=$ 122, 120, 118 (284 $\leq$ A $\leq$ 352) which show a reasonable match with FRDM results and the available experimental data. Equillibrium shape and deformation of the superheavy region are predicted. We investigate the possible decay modes of this region specifically $\alpha$-decay, spontaneous fission (SF) and the $\beta$-decay and evaluate the probable $\alpha$-decay chains. The phenomena of bubble like structure in the charge density is predicted in $^{330}$122, $^{292,328}$120 and $^{326}$118 with significant depletion fraction around 20-24$\%$ which increases with increasing Coulomb energy and diminishes with increasing isospin (N$-$Z) values exhibiting the fact that the coloumb forces are the main driving force in the central depletion in superheavy systems., Comment: 18 pages, 7 figures

Temperature dependent relativistic mean-field (RMF) plus BCS approach has been used for the first time to investigate the anti-bubble effect of the temperature and deformation in the light, medium-heavy and superheavy nuclei. Influence of temperature is studied on density distribution, charge form-factor, single particle (s.p.) energies, occupancy, deformation and the depletion fraction (DF). At T $=$ 0, the quenching effect of deformation is predominant. DF is found usually less in oblate deformation than in prolate. DF decreases with increasing prolate deformation even though the 2s-orbit is empty which shows the role of deformation in central depletion apart from the unoccupancy in s-orbit as is usually believed. As T increases, the occupancy of s-orbit increases, shell structure melts, the deformation vanishes and the weakening of central depletion is solely due to the temperature. The bubble effect is eliminated at T $\approx$ 3$-$5 MeV as indicated by DF and the charge form factor. The temperature effect is found less prominent in superheavy bubble nuclei where the role of shell effects is indicated., Comment: 9 pages, 9 figures, Accepted

The existence of bubble nuclei identified by the central depletion in nucleonic density is studied for the conventional magic N (Z) $=$ 8, 20, 28, 40, 50, 82, 126 isotones (isotopes) and recently speculated magic N $=$ 164, 184, 228 superheavy isotones. Many new bubble nuclei are predicted in all regions. Study of density profiles, form factor, single particle levels and depletion fraction (DF) across the periodic chart reveals that the central depletion is correlated to shell structure and occurs due to unoccupancy in s-orbit (2s, 3s, 4s) and inversion of (2s, 1d) and (3s, 1h) states in nuclei upto Z $\le$ 82. Bubble effect in superheavy region is a signature of the interplay between the Coulomb and nn-interaction and depletion fraction (DF) is found to increase with Z (Coulomb repulsion) and decrease with isospin. Our results are consistent with the available data. The occupancy in s-state in $^{34}$Si increases with temperature which appears to quench the bubble effect., Comment: 7 pages, 8 figures, Accepted, Physics Letters B, 2018

Recent experimental observation of magicity in $^{78}$Ni has infused the interest to examine the persistence of the magic character across the N$=$50 shell gap in extremely neutron rich exotic nucleus $^{78}$Ni in ground as well as excited states. A systematic study of Ni isotopes and N$=$50 isotones in ground state is performed within the microscopic framework of relativistic mean-field (RMF) and the triaxially deformed Nilson Strutinsky model (NSM). Ground state density distributions, charge form factors, radii, separation energies, pairing energies, single particle energies and the shell corrections show strong magicity in $^{78}$Ni. Excited nuclei are treated within the statistical theory of hot rotating nuclei where the variation of level density parameter and entropy shows significant magicity with a deep minima at N$=$50, which, persists up to the temperatures $\approx$ 1.5$-$2 MeV and then slowly disappear with increasing temperature. Rotational states are evaluated and effect of rotation on N$=$50 (Z$=$20$-$30) isotones are studied. Our results agree very well with the available experimental data and few other theoretical calculations., Comment: Submitted to IJMPE

Encouraged with the evidence for Z = 6 magic number in neutron-rich carbon isotopes, we have performed relativistic mean-field plus BCS calculations to investigate ground state properties of entire chains of isotopes(isotones) with Z(N) = 6 including even and odd mass nuclei. Our calculations include deformation, binding energy, separation energy, single particle energy, rms radii along with charge and neutron density profile etc., and are found in an excellent match with latest experimental results demonstrating Z = 6 as a strong magic number. N = 6 is also found to own similar kind of strong magic character., Comment: Accepted, 7 pages, 7 figures, Canadian Journal of Physics, 2018

A fully systematic study of even and odd isotopes (281 $\leq$ A $\leq$ 380) of Z = 121 superheavy nuclei is presented in theoretical frameworks of Relativistic mean-field plus state dependent BCS approach and Macroscopic-Microscopic approach with triaxially deformed Nilson Strutinsky prescription. The ground state properties namely shell correction, binding energy, two- and one- proton and neutron separation energy, shape, deformation, density profile and the radius are estimated that show strong evidence for magicity in N = 164, 228. Central depletion in the charge density due to large repulsive Coulomb field indicating bubble-like structure is reported. A comprehensive analysis of the possible decay modes specifically $\alpha$-decay and spontaneous fission (SF) is presented and the probable $\alpha$-decay chains are evaluated. Results are compared with FRDM calculations and the available experimental data which show excellent agreement., Comment: Submitted to, 11 pages, 7 figures, European Physics Journal A, 2018

Two-proton radioactivity with 2p halo is reported theoretically in light mass nuclei A $=$ 18-34. We predict $^{19}$Mg, $^{22}$Si, $^{26}$S, $^{30}$Ar and $^{34}$Ca as promising candidates of ground state 2p-radioactivity with S$_{2p}$ $<$ 0 and S$_{p}$ $>$ 0. Observation of extended tail of spatial charge density distribution, larger charge radius and study of proton single particle states, Fermi energy and the wave functions indicate 2p halo like structure which supports direct 2p emission. The Coulomb and centrifugal barriers in experimentally identified 2p unbound $^{22}$Si show a quasi-bound state that ensures enough life time for such experimental probes. Our predictions are in good accord with experimental and other theoretical data available so far., Comment: 5 Pages, 5 figures

We have employed RMF+BCS (relativistic mean-field plus BCS) ap- proach to study behaviour of N = 16 shell closure with the help of ground state properties of even-even nuclei. Our present investigations include sin- gle particle energies, deformations, separation energies as well as pairing energies etc. As per recent experiments showing neutron magicity at N = 16 for O isotopes, our results indicate a strong shell closure at N = 16 in 22C and 24O. A large gap is found in between neutron 2s1/2 and 1d3/2 states for 22C and 24O. These results are also supported by a sharp increase in two neutron shell gap, zero pairing energy contribution and with excellent agreement with available experimental data. Moreover, our calculations of N = 16 isotones are however found at variance for higher Z isotones like 36Ca, where experiments show high lying first excited 2+ state indicating shell closure at N = 16.

We have employed RMF+BCS (relativistic mean-field plus BCS) approach to study behaviour of pf shell with the help of ground state properties of even-even nuclei. Our present investigations include separation energies , deformations, single particle energies, wavefunction, potential as well etc density distribution. As per recent experiments showing neutron magicity at N = 32 for Ca isotopes, our results with mass dependent pairing indicate a shell closure at N = 32 in Ca isotopes and a more strong shell closure at N = 34 in proton deficient 48Si because of reorganization of neutron pf shell. In a similar manner, proton pf shell structure is more likely to produce shell closure at Z = 34 with a doubly magic character for 84,116Se. We have also included N = 40 isotones and Z = 40 isotopes for our study and predicted 60Ca and 68Ni as doubly magic nuclei out of which 60Ca is found near dripline of Ca and a potential candidate for future studies in the chain of Ca isotopes next to doubly magic 52Ca.

A systematic study of the ground state properties of the entire chains of even even neutron magic nuclei represented by isotones of traditional neutron magic numbers N = 8, 20, 40, 50, 82 and 126 has been carried out using relativistic mean field (rmf) plus Bardeen Cooper Schrieffer (BCS) approach. Our present investigation includes deformation, binding energy, two proton separation energy, single particle energy, rms radii along with proton and neutron density profiles, etc. Several of these results are compared with the results calculated using non relativistic approach (Skyrme Hartree Fock method) along with available experimental data and indeed they are found with excellent agreement. In addition, the possible locations of the proton and neutron drip lines, the (Z,N) values for the new shell closures, disappearance of traditional shell closures as suggested by the detailed analyzes of results are also discussed in detail., Comment: 26 pages, 11 figures, Accepted in Physics of Atomic Nuclei, 2016

Encouraged by the success of RMF+BCS approach for the description of the ground state properties of the chains of isotopes of proton magic nuclei with proton number \textit{Z}=8, 20, 28, 50 and 82 as well as those of proton sub-magic nuclei with \textit{Z}=40, we have further employed it, in an analogous manner, for a detailed calculations of the ground state properties of the neutron magic isotones with neutron number \textit{N} = 8, 20, 28, 50, 82 and 126 as well as those of neutron sub-magic isotones with \textit{N} = 40 using the TMA force parameterizations in order to explore low lying resonance and other exotic phenomenon near drip-lines. The results of these calculations for wave-function, single particle pairing gaps etc. are presented here to demonstrate the general validity of our RMF+BCS approach. It is found that, in some of the proton-rich nuclei in the vicinity of the proton drip-line, the main contribution to the pairing correlations is provided by the low-lying resonant states, in addition to the contributions coming from the states close to the Fermi surface, which results extended proton drip-line for isotonic chain., Comment: 28 pages, 14 figures

Encouraged by the success of RMF+BCS approach for the description of the ground state properties of the chains of isotopes of proton magic nuclei with proton number Z=8, 20, 28, 50 and 82 as well as those of proton sub-magic nuclei with Z=40, we have further employed it, in an analogous manner, for a detailed calculations of the ground state properties of the neutron magic isotones with neutron number N = 8, 20, 28, 50, 82 and 126 as well as those of neutron sub-magic isotones with N = 40 using the TMA force parameterizations in order to explore low lying resonance and other exotic phenomenon near drip-lines. The results of these calculations for wave-function, single particle pairing gaps etc. are presented here to demonstrate the general validity of our RMF+BCS approach. It is found that, in some of the proton-rich nuclei in the vicinity of the proton drip-line, the main contribution to the pairing correlations is provided by the low-lying resonant states, in addition to the contributions coming from the states close to the Fermi surface, which results extended proton drip-line for isotonic chain., Comment: 20 Pages, 9 figures

In this paper we report the development of the design verification model (DVM) of Rb atomic frequency standard. The Rb atomic frequency standard or clock has two distinct parts. One is the Physics Package where the hyperfine transitions produce the clock signal in the integrated filter cell configuration and the other is the electronic circuits which generate the resonant microwave hyperfine frequency, phase modulator and phase sensitive detector. In this paper the details of the Rb Physics package and the electronic circuits are given. The effect of putting the photo detector inside the microwave cavity is studied and reported with its effect on the resonance signal profile. The Rb clock frequency stability measurements have also been discussed.

In this paper we describe that the optically pumped frequency standards can have frequency stability beyond the quantum noise limit by detecting the Ramsey resonance through the squeezed light. In this paper we report that instead of considering the interaction of entangled atoms in the microwave region, it will be more practical to create the entanglement of the atoms in the detection region using the squeezed light, which is also used for the detection of the Ramsey resonance. The advantage of squeezing can be derived when the technical noises have been removed.

In this paper we describe the development of novel RF exciter circuit for electrode less Rb lamp. The lamp exciter circuit is a RF oscillator with a a new configuration operating at 60 to 65 MHz frequency with 3 to 4 watt power. The Rb lamp is used in exciting the ground state hyperfine transitions in Rb atom in a glass cell placed inside a tuned microwave cavity, As the frequency of these hyperfine transitions is very stable it is used in the development of Rb atomic clock by phase locking the oven controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO) to this atomic transition frequency. The details of the Rb lamp exciter are presented in the paper.The Lamp is ideally operated in ring mode as in this mode the linewidth is narrow and there is no self reversal. However, high temperature and RF excitation power may drive the Rb lamp to red mode which gives rise to line broadening and self reversal. It is the experience that mode change from ring to red deteriorates the atomic signal strength and S/N. In this paper the reasons of mode change are also discussed.

In this paper we report generalized approach to calculate magnetic shielding factor (MSF) of multi-layer mu metal concentric cylindrical shields for arbitrary length to radius ratios and different values of magnetic permeability. We report in this paper the generalized results on the magnetic shielding factor of multi-layered magnetic shields used in Rb atomic clocks

The laser cooling of atoms is a result of the combined effect of doppler shift, light shift and polarization gradient. These are basically undesirable phenomena. However, they combine gainfully in realizing laser cooling and trapping of the atoms. In this paper we discuss the laser cooling of atoms in the presence of the squeezed light with the decay of atomic dipole moment into noisy quadrature. We show that the higher decay rate of the atomic dipole moment into the noisy quadrature, which is also an undesirable effect, may contribute in realizing larger cooling force vis-a-vis normal laser light.

We define quantum phase in terms of inverses of annihilation and creation operators. We show that like Susskind - Glogower phase operators, the measured phase operators and the unitary phase operators can be defined in terms of the inverse operators. However, for the unitary phase operator the Hilbert space includes the negative energy states. The quantum phase in inverse operator representation may find the applications in the field of quantum optics particularly in the squeezed states.