Proton-Neutron Surprises: Island of Inversion Spotted in Symmetric Molybdenum Nuclei
A Nature Communications study shows Mo-84 and Mo-86 near the proton–neutron balance line (N≈Z) exhibit an island of inversion, with protons and neutrons engaging in particle-hole excitations that deform the nucleus. Using Be targets and Mo-92 beams, gamma rays were detected by GRETINA and TRIPLEX, revealing symmetry-breaking structure in these proton-rich isotopes—a finding that challenges traditional nuclear models and expands where inversions can occur.
