Investigations on the effect of neutron skin in intermediate-energy heavy-ion collisions by using transport model

The neutron skin is an exotic phenomenon observed in unstable nuclei that are far from the stability line. This structure can produce various effects in heavy-ion collisions at intermediate energies. The transport model serves as an effective theoretical tool for investigating the dynamic evolution of nuclear reactions. In this study, the effects of neutron skin on intermediate-energy heavy-ion collisions are reviewed based on isospin-dependent transport models. Clear correlations are found between neutron skin thickness and several quantities, such as the light particle yield ratio, the momentum difference between neutrons and protons, the isoscaling parameter, the parallel momentum distribution and cross sections of projectile-like fragments, photon production, the π^-/π^+ yield ratio, and reaction cross sections for neutron-induced reactions. Accurate measurements of neutron skin thickness remain challenging. Therefore, experimental probes that are sensitive to neutron skin thickness are highly anticipated. These probes would also help constrain the equation of the state of asymmetric nuclear matter and the properties of neutron stars.