Intruder structure, deformation, and $E2$ strengths in $^{14}\mathrm{C}$ from an ab initio perspective

Abstract

The semimagic nucleus $^{14}\mathrm{C}$ lies just above the $N=8$ island of inversion, raising the possibility of low-lying intruder states and associated deformation. Through ab initio no-core configuration interaction calculations, we shed light on the role of intruder structure, quadrupole deformation, and Elliott SU(3) symmetry in $^{14}\mathrm{C}$. The results also highlight the influence of mixing between normal and intruder states on the strengths of the $E2$ transitions from the first two $2^+$ states.