Influence of Quantal and Statistical Fluctuations on Phase Transitions in Finite Nuclei

Investigations on thermal evolution of pairing-phase transition and shape-phase transition in light nuclei are made as a function of pair gap, deformation, temperature and angular momentum using a finite temperature statistical approach with main emphasis to fluctuations. The occurrence of a peak structure in the specific heat predicted as signals of the pairing-phase and shape-phase transitions are reviewed and it is found that they are not actually true phase transitions and it is only an artifact of the mean field models. Since quantal number and spin fluctuations and statistical fluctuations in pair gap, deformation degrees of freedom and energy when incorporated, it wash out the pairing-phase transition and smooth out the shape-phase transition. Phase transitions due to collapse of pair gap and deformation is discussed and a clear picture of pairing-phase transition in light nuclei is presented in which pairing transition is reconciled. (nuclear physics)