ISF 2.P109

Binding energy per atom as a function of N- for neutral silicon
clusters of N atoms is juxtaposed to the binding energy
per nucleon for samarium isotopes as a function of A-1/3. The
atomic clusters are described with the Lennard-Jones potential
in agreement with the data [Bac00]. In the nuclear case
the experimental data are shown, where the liquid drop contributions
for Coulomb energy, symmetry energy, and pairing
correlations are subtracted, leaving only volume and surface
contributions. The similarity of the two patterns indicates a
common shape instability and possible shape coexistence at a
number of constituents close to 148. The samarium isotopes in
this region are known for symmetry changes and coexistence
of deformed and spherical states. Adapted from [Hor05].

References:
[Bac00] Th. Bachels and R. Schaefer, Chem. Rev. Lett. 324, 365 (2000)