Semiclassical origin of shell structures in deformed nuclei: dependence on surface diffuseness and effect of spin-orbit couplings

Shell structures in nuclear mean field potentials are analyzed using semiclassical periodic-orbit theory. rα-type potential model is taken as an approximation of Woods-Saxon model, and spin-orbit coupling is also taken into account. Using this model, we examine shell structure as functions of deformation, nuclear size (diffuseness), and spin-orbit coupling strength. Significant roles of periodic orbit bifurcations for strong deformed shell effects are clarified. Special attentions will be paid to bifurcations of the 'bridge orbits', which emerge from symmetric orbits and then submerge in other symmetric orbits by varying a potential parameter. (author)