About this Research Topic
Neutron skin thickness in atomic nuclei is a fundamental property that provides critical insights into the equation of state (EOS) of infinite nuclear matter. This field has seen extensive experimental investigations through various interactions, including strong, electromagnetic, and weak forces. Despite significant advancements, unresolved tensions persist, particularly between experimental results and theoretical predictions. For instance, precision parity-violating electron scattering experiments on 208Pb suggest a thicker neutron skin, leading to larger slope parameters in the EOS, while other experimental and theoretical approaches indicate a thinner skin. Recent studies, including forthcoming data from gravitational waves generated by neutron star mergers, are expected to offer valuable information. However, a comprehensive understanding that reconciles these discrepancies remains elusive, highlighting the need for further investigation. Precise information about nucleon radii is of course indispensable to deduce neutron skin.
This research topic aims to provide an overview of the current status of experimental, observational, and theoretical studies on neutron skin thickness. The primary objective is to elucidate the existing tensions among different experimental methods and theoretical models, and to correlate these findings with EOS parameters constrained by observational data. The ultimate goal is to develop a nuclear density functional that is consistent with both terrestrial nuclear structures and neutron star properties, governed by the same strong interaction. This endeavor seeks to answer critical questions about the nature of neutron-rich matter and its implications for nuclear physics and astrophysics.
To gather further insights into the complexities of neutron skin thickness, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Experimental studies by various means such as:
1. Parity-violating electron scattering
2. Elastic proton scattering
3. E1 polarization by proton inelastic scattering
4. Antiproton-nucleus interaction
5. Intermediate energy light and heavy ion scattering
6. Ultra-relativistic heavy ion collision
• Theoretical overview of nuclear structure calculations:
1. Mean field calculations
2. Ab initio calculations
3. Critical confrontations with the data.
By exploring these themes, this collection aims to bridge the gap between experimental data, theoretical models, and observational evidence, contributing to a more unified understanding of neutron skin thickness and its broader implications.
We primarily expect Mini Reviews and Reviews but other types of manuscripts, including Brief Research Report, Hypothesis & Theory, Original Research and Perspective, are also welcome.
This research topic aims to provide an overview of the current status of experimental, observational, and theoretical studies on neutron skin thickness. The primary objective is to elucidate the existing tensions among different experimental methods and theoretical models, and to correlate these findings with EOS parameters constrained by observational data. The ultimate goal is to develop a nuclear density functional that is consistent with both terrestrial nuclear structures and neutron star properties, governed by the same strong interaction. This endeavor seeks to answer critical questions about the nature of neutron-rich matter and its implications for nuclear physics and astrophysics.
To gather further insights into the complexities of neutron skin thickness, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Experimental studies by various means such as:
1. Parity-violating electron scattering
2. Elastic proton scattering
3. E1 polarization by proton inelastic scattering
4. Antiproton-nucleus interaction
5. Intermediate energy light and heavy ion scattering
6. Ultra-relativistic heavy ion collision
• Theoretical overview of nuclear structure calculations:
1. Mean field calculations
2. Ab initio calculations
3. Critical confrontations with the data.
By exploring these themes, this collection aims to bridge the gap between experimental data, theoretical models, and observational evidence, contributing to a more unified understanding of neutron skin thickness and its broader implications.
We primarily expect Mini Reviews and Reviews but other types of manuscripts, including Brief Research Report, Hypothesis & Theory, Original Research and Perspective, are also welcome.
Keywords: Neutron Skin, Nuclear Density, Equation of State
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
