Nuclear Configurations in the Spin-Orbit Coupling Model. I. Empirical Evidence

An extreme one particle model of the nucleus is proposed. The model is based on the succession of energy levels of a single particle in a potential between that of a three-dimensional harmonic oscillator and a square well. (1) Strong spin orbit coupling leading to inverted doublets is assumed. (2) An even number of identical nucleons are assumed to couple to zero angular momentum, and, (3) an odd number to the angular momentum of the single odd particle. (4) A (negative) pairing energy, increasing with the $j$ value of the orbit is assumed. With these four assumptions all but 2 of the 64 known spins of odd nuclei are satisfactorily explained, and all but 1 of the 46 known magnetic moments. The two spin discrepancies are probably due to failure of rule (3). The magnetic moments of the five known odd-odd nuclei are also in agreement with the model. The existence, and region in the periodic table, of nuclear isomerism is correctly predicted.