Speaker
Description
Lithium plays an important role in nuclear astrophysics, fusion energy generation, and nuclear technology. From a theoretical point of view, the nucleus $^7$Li presents a remarkable challenge, as its bound states and resonances can be understood as being formed by a $^4$He and $^3$H pair, or simultaneously, a single neutron/proton coupled to a $^6$Li/$^6$He core. In light of this complexity, a consistent description of $^7$Li bound-state and continuum properties in a unified model presents a significant advancement towards a predictive theory of nuclear structure and reactions. Towards achieving such a predictive description, we carried out calculations for $^7$Li within the ab initio no-core shell model with continuum (NCSMC), which is capable of describing both bound and scattering states in a unified framework, taking into account the mass/charge partitions $^4$He + $^3$H, $^6$Li + n, and $^6$He + p in a single coupled-channels calculation, using chiral nuclear forces as input. These calculations are the first ever application of the NCSMC with three coupled partitions. I will show the effects of the coupling of the partitions on the spectrum of $^7$Li and present cross sections of charge-exchange and nucleon-transfer reactions, calculation of which is allowed by the coupling.