Transition probabilities near 100Sn and the stability of the N, Z=50 shell closure

Recent B(E2; 0(g.s.)(+) -> 2(1)(+)) measurements in light tin isotopes have revealed surprisingly large values relative to standard shell model predictions, generating an unexpected asymmetry in the B(E2) values with respect to the neutron midshell. This effect has triggered various speculations as to its origin, such as a possible weakening of the N, Z = 50 shell closure. Here we present new shell model calculations to investigate the origin of the observed asymmetric character of the B(E2) values in the tin isotopes. By including the effects of the neutron g(9/2) orbital below the N = 50 shell gap it is shown that Pauli blocking effects may play an important role near the N = 50 shell closure. A new set of single-particle energies and monopole interactions, fitted to the experimental data in the region, together with the isospin-dependent effective charge suggested by Bohr and Mottelson is shown to reproduce the experimental transition rate values in the Sn isotopic chain. DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevC.87.031306