The Neutron Skin of 48Ca and 208Pb: A Critical Analysis

Abstract

We discuss the neutron skins of 48Ca and 208Pb. We review and critically examine modern predictions and empirical constraints, with special attention to the different interpretations of the findings from the PREX-II experiment and the recently reported value of the neutron skin in 48Ca extracted from the CREX experiment. We argue that, in the spirit of the ab initio philosophy, the path to understanding the behavior of dense neutron-rich matter must not circumvent fundamental nuclear forces. Based only on that argument, a thick neutron skin in 208Pb is highly unlikely.