We extend multireference covariant density-functional theory (MR-CDFT) based on a relativistic point-coupling energy functional to describe the low-lying states of odd-mass nuclei. The nuclear wave function is constructed as a superposition of quadrupole-octupole deformed mean-field configurations, with projection onto angular momentum, particle numbers, and parity within the framework of the generator coordinate method. Using ${}^{25}\mathrm{Mg}$ as an example, we calculate the energy spectrum, electric multipole, and magnetic dipole transition strengths based on three different schemes for the mean-field configurations of odd-mass nuclei. We find that the low-energy structure of ${}^{25}\mathrm{Mg}$ is reasonably reproduced in all three schemes. In particular, the effect of octupole correlation is illustrated in the application to the low-lying parity doublets of ${}^{21}\mathrm{Ne}$. This work demonstrates the success of the MR-CDFT for the low-lying states of odd-mass nuclei with possible strong quadruple-octupole correlations.

• Received 28 November 2023
• Accepted 21 February 2024

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.109.034305