The spherical-to-prolate shape transition in neutron-rich Cr isotopes from $N=34$ to 42 is studied by solving the collective Schrödinger equation for the five-dimensional quadrupole collective Hamiltonian. The collective potential and inertial functions are microscopically derived with use of the constrained Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov plus local quasiparticle random-phase approximation method. Nature of the quadrupole collectivity of low-lying states is discussed by evaluating excitation spectra and electric quadrupole moments and transition strengths. The result of calculation indicates that Cr isotopes around ${}^{64}$Cr are prolately deformed but still possess transitional character; large-amplitude shape fluctuations dominate in their low-lying states.

• Received 1 June 2012

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.86.024316