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    Exploring bubble structure and shell evolution at magic nuclei via the relativistic point-coupling model with similarity renormalization group

    Xin-Xing Shi1,*, Quan Liu2,†, and Shou-Wan Chen2

    • *Contact author: sxx@aust.edu.cn
    • †Contact author: quanliu@ahu.edu.cn

    Phys. Rev. C 113, 024326 – Published 19 February, 2026

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/6rwh-52y2

    Abstract

    Within the relativistic point-coupling model in conjunction with the similarity renormalization group (SRG), we systematically investigate the correlations between relativistic symmetry and subshell evolution in nuclear systems. Guided by the concepts of pseudospin symmetry (PSS) and spin symmetry (SS), we study the formation of bubble-like structures in both new N(Z)=14,16 and traditional N=82 magic number isotones. By analyzing neutron/proton density profiles and the breaking behavior of PSS across the isotopic chain from neutron-rich oxygen (O) to neutron-deficient calcium (Ca), our model identifies all examined N=14 isotones as potential neutron bubble nuclei. For proton bubble-like candidates, O22 to Si28 (in N=14 isotones) and Mg28 to Si30 (in N=16 isotones) are proposed. In the light nuclei region, the emergence of semibubble structures is attributed to large pseudospin energy splitting, whereas the formation of bubble-like structures in N=82 isotones is unlikely due to small pseudospin energy splitting and the intervening 1h11/2 orbital between the 3s1/2 and 2d3/2 states. Through analytical decomposition of the Dirac Hamiltonian using SRG, we clarify the origins and breaking mechanisms of PSS and SS. A key distinction between light and heavy systems is revealed: in light systems, the spin-orbit term primarily determines the quality of PSS, while in all examined mass regions, SS is governed by spin-orbit interactions. Notably, the dominant role and variation of the spin-orbit term in determining PSS quality in light systems serves as a clear indicator for the emergence or suppression of bubble-like structures.

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