Shape transition in the even-even Cerium isotopes

The deformation energy of the even-even nuclei of the Cerium isotopic chain is investigated by means of the Macroscopic-Microscopic method with a semi-classical shell correction. We consider axially symmetric shapes. Binding energy and two neutron separation energy are also evaluated. For the sake of clarity several important details of the calculations are also given. It turns out that all these nuclei have prolate equilibrium shape. The regions of maximum deformation are obtained around N=64 and N=102. There is no critical-point of quantum phase transition in this isotopic chain.