Staggering behavior of 0+ state energies in the Sp(4) pairing model
Abstract
We explore, within the framework of an algebraic sp(4) shell model, discrete approximations to various derivatives of the energies of the lowest isovector-paired 0+ states of atomic nuclei in the 40≤A ≤ 100 mass range. The results show that the symplectic model can be used to successfully interpret fine structure effects driven by the proton-neutron (pn) and like-particle isovector pairing interactions as well as interactions with higher J multipolarity. A finite energy difference technique is used to investigate two-proton and two-neutron separation energies, observed irregularities found around the N=Z region, and the like-particle and pn isovector pairing gaps. A prominent staggering behavior is observed between groups of even-even and odd-odd nuclides. An oscillation, in addition to that associated with changes in isospin values, that tracks with alternating seniority quantum numbers related to the isovector pairing interaction is also found.