Phase Transition from a Superfluid State to a Normal State in the Ground State Rotational Band

Abstract

The interaction between pairing and nuclear rotation is investigated. The Coriolis force prevents the formation of coupled pairs. Proton and neutron gaps change with rotation in a different way and become zero at a critical angular momentum, respectively. Two critical angular momenta are then predicted corresponding to the disappearance of the proton and neutron energy gaps. The moment of inertia is very sensitive to the energy gap parameters of protons and neutrons. The critical angular momentum and the moment of inertia are calculated for the rare earth nuclei, and comparison with experimental values is made.