A Laplace-like formula for the energy dependence of the nuclear level density parameter

Abstract

Collective effects in the level density are not well understood, and including these effects as enhancement factors to the level density does not produce sufficiently consistent predictions of observables. Therefore, collective effects are investigated in the level density parameter instead of treating them as a final factor in the level density. A new Laplace-like formula is proposed for the energy dependence of the level density parameter, including collective effects. A significant improvement has been achieved in agreement between observed and predicted energy levels. This new model can also be used in both structure and reaction calculations of the nuclei far from stability, especially near the drip lines.