The neutron-rich edge of the nuclear landscape: Experiment and theory

In this review, we describe the experimental facilities and methods which make it possible to produce and measure the properties of the extreme neutron-rich nuclei. We then develop the theoretical framework that predicts and explains these properties; the shell-model approach with large-scale configuration interaction (mixing) SM-CI, with special emphasis in the competition between the spherical mean field and the nuclear correlations (mainly pairing and quadrupole-quadrupole). The SU(3) related symmetry properties of the latter are treated in detail as they will show to be of great heuristic value. We explore the Islands of Inversion (IoI) at N = 20 and N = 28. We make a side excursion into the heavier Calcium and Potassium isotopes, to discuss current issues on shell evolution and new magic numbers far from stability. We revisit the N = 40 Island of Inversion and extrapolate the successful predictions of the LNPS model to 60Ca. We discuss the doubly magic nucleus 78Ni, its shape coexistence and the prospect of a new IoI at N = 50 below Z = 28. Finally, we examine the behaviour of the N = 70 and N = 82 neutron closures as the neutron drip line is approached.