The Interacting Boson Model (IBM) of the Atomic Nucleus, an Introduction

172 pages, 35 line figures, 1998 (revised 2008), ISBN 3-7281-2520-2

The interacting boson model (IBM) is a relatively young and powerful theory, which is used to study intermediate and heavy atomic nuclei. It determines the nuclear moment, the energy levels of the nucleus and their transition probabilities quantitatively, in the course of which only a few parameters have to be adjusted. This theory is based on the shell model, the complexity of which is reduced heavily by combining the nucleons in pairs, which represent bosons. Their angular momenta are usually restricted to zero and two respectively. Of particular interest are the special cases comprising Hamilton operators which are characterized by Lie algebras. This theory is a useful tool for interpreting the spectroscopic investigations of nuclei.

This publication is directed towards nuclear physicists and students who are familiar with the elements of quantum mechanics, classical electrodynamics and nuclear physics. Great store has been set by a consistent and didactically constructed presentation. Theoretical statements are frequently made clear with examples using simple boson configurations. Many subjects are discussed which until now could only be found in the research literature. The 35 figures show many comparisons with measured data. The book teaches how to apply a FORTRAN programme for IBM-calculations.

From the contents: Many-boson configurations. Creation- and annihilation operators. The Hamilton operator. The angular momentum operator of the interacting boson model. The Hamiltonian expressed in terms of Casimir operators. Electromagnetic transitions. Lie algebras. Group theoretical aspects of the model. The proton-neutron interacting boson model. The interacting boson-fermion model. The complete list is available via the Table of contents link.

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