Puzzling 𝐵(𝐸2;0 + → 2 + ) strength in the proton dripline nucleus 36 Ca
Recent measurements of the 𝐸2 transition rate from the ground state to the first 2 + excited state of the proton dripline nucleus 36 Ca show an unusual pattern when compared to its isotopic neighbor 38 Ca: despite having a higher 𝐸 𝑥 (2$^{+}_{1}$) excitation energy, the 𝐵(𝐸2;0$^{+}_{1}$ → 2$^{+}_{1}$) rate in 36 Ca is larger. The question that naturally arises is to what extent this observation can be attributed to the unbound character of the 2$^{+}_{1}$ state. To understand the influence of the continuum space on the low-energy properties of 36 Ca, we carried out Gamow shell model calculations that can account for the continuum coupling effects associated with the occupation of unbound 𝑓𝑝 shells. We found that in the threshold 2 + state, 36 Ca is spatially diffused, which impacts the observed 𝐵(𝐸2) trend.