Vorticity and deformation in Carbon-12 within a symplectic shell-model framework*

The study of rotational bands in nuclei shows that they can deviate from that of a perfect rotor, especially for states with higher angular momentum. To address this, we explore how vorticity in Carbon-12 tracks with the deformation flow. This is achieved in the no-core symplectic shell model that utilizes a Hamiltonian with an exponentiated Q.Q interaction. This model offers a microscopic description of a nucleus in terms of mixed deformed configurations and associated rotations and vibrations, while successfully reproducing energy spectra and E2 transitions from light up through intermediate-mass nuclei with a single adjustable parameter. This study reveals the important role of vorticity towards the understanding of the underpinning dynamics of rotations in deformed nuclei.