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Evidence for Triangular D3h Symmetry in C12

D. J. Marín-Lámbarri, R. Bijker, M. Freer, M. Gai, Tz. Kokalova, D. J. Parker, and C. Wheldon
Phys. Rev. Lett. 113, 012502 – Published 30 June 2014
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Abstract

We report a measurement of a new high spin Jπ=5 state at 22.4(2) MeV in C12 which fits very well to the predicted (ground state) rotational band of an oblate equilateral triangular spinning top with a D3h symmetry characterized by the sequence 0+, 2+, 3, 4±, 5 with almost degenerate 4+ and 4 (parity doublet) states. Such a D3h symmetry was observed in triatomic molecules, and it is observed here for the first time in nuclear physics. We discuss a classification of other rotation-vibration bands in C12 such as the (0+) Hoyle band and the (1) bending mode band and suggest measurements in search of the predicted (“missing”) states that may shed new light on clustering in C12 and light nuclei. In particular, the observation (or nonobservation) of the predicted (“missing”) states in the Hoyle band will allow us to conclude the geometrical arrangement of the three alpha particles composing the Hoyle state at 7.654 MeV in C12.

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  • Received 11 March 2014

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.113.012502

© 2014 American Physical Society

Synopsis

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Carbon-12 Caught in a Triangle

Published 30 June 2014

The discovery of a new excited state in carbon-12 hints at this nucleus’s triangular symmetry.

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Authors & Affiliations

D. J. Marín-Lámbarri1, R. Bijker2, M. Freer1, M. Gai3,4, Tz. Kokalova1, D. J. Parker1, and C. Wheldon1

  • 1School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
  • 2Instituto de Ciencias Nucleares, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, A.P. 70-543, 04510 México, D.F., Mexico
  • 3LNS at Avery Point, University of Connecticut, Groton, Connecticut 06340-6097, USA
  • 4Wright Lab, Department of Physics, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8124, USA

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Issue

Vol. 113, Iss. 1 — 4 July 2014

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