Exact isovector pairing in a shell-model framework: Role of proton-neutron correlations in isobaric analog states
Here, we utilize a nuclear shell model Hamiltonian with only two adjustable parameters to generate, for the first time, exact solutions for pairing correlations for light to medium-mass nuclei, including the challenging proton-neutron pairs, while also identifying the primary physics involved. In addition to single-particle energy and Coulomb potential terms, the shell model Hamiltonian consists of an isovector T = 1 pairing interaction and an average proton-neutron isoscalar T = 0 interaction, where the T = 0 term describes the average interaction between nonpaired protons and neutrons. This Hamiltonian is exactly solvable, where, utilizing three to seven single-particle energy levels, we reproduce experimental data for 0 + state energies for isotopes with mass A = 10 through A = 62 exceptionally well including isotopes from He to Ge. Additionally, we isolate effects due to like-particle and proton-neutron pairing, provide estimates for the total and proton-neutron pairing gaps, and reproduce N (neutron) = Z (proton) irregularity. These results provide a further understanding for the key role of proton-neutron pairing correlations in nuclei, which is especially important for waiting-point nuclei on the $\mathcal{rp}$ path of nucleosynthesis.