Multipole modes of excitation in tetrahedrally deformed neutron-rich Zr isotopes

Abstract

The multipole modes of excitation for tetrahedrally deformed neutron-rich Zr isotopes are investigated using the quasiparticle finite amplitude method based on the covariant density functional theories. By employing the density-dependent point-coupling covariant density functional theory with the parameter set DD-PC1 in the particle-hole channel and a separable pairing interaction of finite range, it is observed that a distinct peak emerges at $\omega = 9.0 - 10.0$ MeV in the isoscalar quadrupole $K=0$ strength when $\beta_{32}$ distortion is considered for $^{110,112}$Zr. This peak is absent when the deformation is limited to axially symmetric octuple or spherical case. It also does not appears in neighboring axially quadrople or octupole deformed nuclei, thus can be viewed as an indicator for the tetrahedral shape.