Probe the 2s_1/2 and 1d_3/2 state level inversion with electron-nucleus scattering

The neutron-rich even-even nuclei ^26–40Mg, ^28–46Si, ^30–48S, and ^32–56Ar are calculated with the RMF model and the phase-shift electron scattering method. Results show that level inversion of the 2s_1/2 and 1d_3/2 proton states may occur for the magnesium, silicon, sulphur, and argon isotopes with more neutrons away from the stability line. Calculations show that the variation of the central charge densities for ^30–48S, and ^32–56Ar are very sensitive to the 2s_1/2 and 1d_3/2 proton state level inversion, and the level inversion can lead to a large measurable central charge depletion to the charge density distributions for the neutron-rich isotopes. Calculations also show that the charge density differences between the isotopes with and without central charge depletion can reveal not only the level inversion of the 2s_1/2 and 1d_3/2 proton states but also the behavior of the proton wave functions of both states. The results can provide references for the possible study of the nuclear level inversion and nuclear bubble phenomenon with electron scattering off short-lived nuclei at RIKEN or/and GSI in the future. In addition, direct nuclear reaction ⁴⁴S(n, d)⁴³P or ⁴⁴S(³H, α)⁴³P might also be a possible way to study the 2s_1/2 and 1d_3/2 proton state level inversion.