The binding energy of an isotope is a sensitive indicator of the underlying shell structure as it reflects the net energy content of a nucleus. Since magic nuclei are significantly lighter, or more bound, compared to their neighbors, the presence of nucleonic shell structure makes an imprint on nuclear masses. In this work, using a carefully designed binding-energy indicator, we catalog the appearance of spherical and deformed shell and subshell closures throughout the nuclear landscape. After presenting experimental evidence for shell and subshell closures as seen through the lens of nuclear masses, we study the ability of global nuclear mass models to predict local binding-energy variations related to shell effects.
- Received 28 September 2023
- Revised 10 February 2024
- Accepted 13 March 2024
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.109.044311
©2024 American Physical Society
Nuclear Physics
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