Appearance of the Single Gyroid Network Phase in Nuclear Pasta Matter

Nuclear matter under the conditions of a supernova explosion unfolds into a rich variety of spatially structured phases, called nuclear pasta. We investigate the role of periodic network-like structures with negatively curved interfaces in nuclear pasta structures, by static and dynamic Hartree-Fock simulations in periodic lattices. As the most prominent result, we identify for the first time the {\it single gyroid} network structure of cubic chiral $I4_123$ symmetry, a well known configuration in nanostructured soft-matter systems, both as a dynamical state and as a cooled static solution. Single gyroid structures form spontaneously in the course of the dynamical simulations. Most of them are isomeric states. The very small energy differences to the ground state indicate its relevance for structures in nuclear pasta.Comment: 7 pages, 4 figure

Static and Dynamic Chain Structures in the Mean-Field Theory

We give a brief overview of recent work examining the presence of $\alpha$-clusters in light nuclei within the Skyrme-force Hartree-Fock model. Of special significance are investigations into $\alpha$-chain structures in carbon isotopes and $^{16}$O. Their stability and possible role in fusion reactions are examined in static and time-dependent Hartree-Fock calculations. We find a new type of shape transition in collisions and a centrifugal stabilization of the $4\alpha$ chain state in a limited range of angular momenta. No stabilization is found for the $3\alpha$ chain.Comment: Fusionn 11 Conference, St. Malo, France, 201