Negative Parity States in 39Cl Configured by Crossing Major Shell Orbits.

Traditional “magic numbers” were once regarded as immutable throughout the nuclear chart. However, unexpected changes were found for unstable nuclei around N = 20. With both proton and neutron numbers around the magic number of 20, the neutron-rich 39Cl isotope provides a good test case for the study of the quantum-state evolution across the major shell. In the present work, the negative parity states in 39Cl are investigated through the β decay spectroscopy of 39S. Newly observed γ transitions together with a new state are assigned into the level scheme of 39Cl. The spin parity of 5/2− for the lowest negative parity state in 39Cl is reconfirmed using the combined γ transition information. These systematic observations of the negative parity states in 39Cl allow a comprehensive comparison with the theoretical descriptions. The lowest 5/2− state in 39Cl remains exotic in terms of comparisons with existing theoretical calculations and with the neighboring isotopes having similar single-particle configurations. Further experimental and theoretical investigations are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]