Exploring Shell Evolution and N = 40 Magicity in Light-Mass Nuclei with Relativistc Mean Field Approach

Abstract

We employ the relativistic mean-field (RMF) approach with NL3 parameters to study shell and sub-shell closures in the isotopic chains of Cl, Ar, K, Ca, Sc, Ti, V, and Cr nuclei. By analyzing nuclear bulk properties, binding energy, charge radii, two-neutron separation energies, deformation parameters ($β_2$), and single-particle levels we trace the evolution of magic numbers. Our results highlight the single-particle energy levels to examine nuclear shell closure and the occupancy of individual nucleon orbitals. A comprehensive picture of N = 34 shell closure is particularly prominent in the isotopic chains of Cl, Ar, and Ti nuclei, where the magicity associated with this number remains evident across several isotopes. In contrast, the N = 40 exhibits a more robust and widespread manifestation across all the examined nuclei, indicating that its shell closure is less sensitive to the specific isotopic environment and more universally applicable across the given nuclear systems. To further validate these closures, we apply the coherent density fluctuation model (CDFM) to assess isospin-dependent observables, such as the symmetry energy and its surface and volume components. A systematic analysis of the symmetry energy, computed using the relativistic mean-field (RMF) approach, maps the evolution of the shell structure at $N = 20$ and 28, supports sub-magicity at $N = 34$, and strongly suggests a shell closure at $N = 40$, reflected consistently in both bulk and surface properties. The interplay between shell structure and nuclear deformation remains a central topic of research, and future theoretical and experimental studies will continue to shed light on the complex behaviour of these fascinating systems.