Geometry of Borromean Halo Nuclei

We discuss the geometry of the highly quantal nuclear three-body systems composed of a core plus two loosely bound particles. These Borromean nuclei have no single bound two-body subsystem. Correlation plays a prominent role. From consideration of the $B(E1)$ value extracted from electromagnetic dissociation, in conjunction with HBT-type analysis of the two valence-halo particles correlation, we show that an estimate of the over-all geometry can be deduced. In particular we find that the opening angle between the two neutrons in $^{6}$He and $^{11}$Li are, respectively, $\theta_{nn} = {83^{\circ}}^{+20}_{-10}$ and ${66^{\circ}}^{+22}_{-18}$. These angles are reduced by about 12% to $\theta_{nn} = {78^{\circ}}^{+13}_{-18}$ and ${58^{\circ}}^{+10}_{-14}$ if the laser spectroscopy values of the rms charge radii are used to obtain the rms distance between the cores and the center of mass of the two neutrons. The opening angle in the case of $^{11}$Li is more than 20% larger than recently reported by Nakamura \cite{Nak06}. The analysis is extended to $^{14}$Be and the two-proton Borromean nucleus $^{17}$Ne where complete data is still not available. Using available experimental data and recent theoretical calculations we find, $\theta_{nn} = {64^{0}}^{+9}_{-10}$ and $\theta_{pp} = 110^{0}$, respectively.Comment: 5 pages, one figure, version to appear in PRC, Rapid Communication

Exit Doorway Model for Nuclear Breakup of Weakly Bound Projectiles

We derive closed expressions for the nuclear breakup cross sections in the adiabatic limit using the Austern-Blair theory. These expressions are appropriate for the breakup of weakly bound nuclei. The concept of an exit doorway that mediates the coupling between the entrance channel and the breakup continuum is used. We prove the validity of the scaling law that dictates that the nuclear breakup cross section scales linearly with the radius of the target. We also compare our results for the nuclear breakup cross section of $^{11}$Be, $^8$B on several targets with recent CDCC calculation.Comment: 5 pages, 1 figur

The Coulomb phase shift revisited

We investigate the Coulomb phase shift, and derive and analyze new and more precise analytical formulae. We consider next to leading order terms to the Stirling approximation, and show that they are important at small values of the angular momentum $l$ and other regimes. We employ the uniform approximation. The use of our expressions in low energy scattering of charged particles is discussed and some comparisons are made with other approximation methods.Comment: 13 pages, 5 figures, 1 tabl