The structure of atomic nuclei at distances greater than a few fermi is determined by the combined strong, electromagnetic, and weak interactions. Given this environment, one might expect an extremely chaotic and complex situation. Nevertheless, nuclei often display very regular excitation patterns. My research concentrates on understanding the structure of the atomic nucleus. To that end, I study its structural evolution by means of varying the number protons or neutrons, its shell evolution, the occurrence of quantum phase transitions (QPTs) and the emergence of collectivity, using algebraic symmetry-based models. Employing such models, one can describe the nucleus’ complex dynamics in terms of quantum numbers and its symmetry, derive selection rules, calculate many observables, and predict numerous properties.
Selected Publications:
- Interplay Between Shape-Evolution and Shape Coexistence in the Zr isotopes, N. Gavrielov, A. Leviatan and F. Iachello, Physica Scripta 95, 024001 (2020), Focus issue on Nuclear Shapes and Symmetries: From Experiment to Theory.
- Intertwined Quantum Phase Transitions in the Zr Isotopes, N. Gavrielov, A. Leviatan and F. Iachello, Physical Review C 99, 064324 (2019).
- Quadrupole Phonons in the Cadmium Isotopes, A. Leviatan, N. Gavrielov, J. E. García-Ramos and P. Van-Isacker, Physical Review C (Rapid Communications) 98, 31302 (2018), Editors’ Suggestion.
- Partial Dynamical Symmetries and Shape Coexistence in Nuclei, A. Leviatan and N. Gavrielov, Physica Scripta 92, 114005 (2017), Focus issue on Nuclear Shapes and Symmetries: From Experiment to Theory.