Structural Properties of Sc-Isotopic Series under Relativistic Mean Field Approach

Motivated by recent findings on neutron magicity at N = 32 and 34 by Limura et al. [1], we aim to understand the ground state properties and shell effects through isotopic shift in scandium (Sc) isotopes. We performed a systematic study using the NL3* parameter set within the relativistic mean field (RMF) formalism. Properties calculated include binding energy, charge distribution radius, quadrupole deformation parameter, neutron skin thickness, and two-neutron separation energy for Sc isotopes with neutron numbers ranging from N = 22 to 56. Further, a three-point formula is employed to observe the isotopic shift for charge distribution radius and neutron skin thickness. The study highlights notable shape transitions at N = 38–40 and N = 52–54 and ground state shape similarity in Sc isotopes, suggesting significant shell effects. Observing kinks in charge radius and neutron skin thickness, especially at N = 34 along with all conventional neutron magic or semi-magic numbers, confirms shell-closure and stability of the isotopes, enhancing our understanding of neutron magicity and isotope stability.