Quantum Monte Carlo Calculations of Magnetic Form Factors in Light Nuclei

• Published in: Physical review letters 2024-11, Vol.133 (21), p.212501, Article 212501
• Main Authors: Chambers-Wall, G, Gnech, A, King, G B, Pastore, S, Piarulli, M, Schiavilla, R, Wiringa, R B
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0031-9007; 1079-7114; 1079-7114
• DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.133.212501

We present quantum Monte Carlo calculations of magnetic form factors in A=6-10 nuclei, based on Norfolk two- and three-nucleon interactions, and associated one- and two-body electromagnetic currents. Agreement with the available experimental data for ^{6}Li, ^{7}Li, ^{9}Be, and ^{10}B up to values of momentum transfer q∼3  fm^{-1} is achieved when two-nucleon currents are accounted for. We present a set of predictions for the magnetic form factors of ^{7}Be, ^{8}Li, ^{9}Li, and ^{9}C. In these systems, two-body currents account for ∼40%-60% of the total magnetic strength. Measurements in any of these radioactive systems would provide valuable insights on the nuclear magnetic structure emerging from the underlying many-nucleon dynamics. A particularly interesting case is that of ^{7}Be, as it would enable investigations of the magnetic structure of mirror nuclei.