Recent measurements of the structure of 12C [1] using an optical readout TPC (O-TPC) [2] and gamma beams allowed the first study of the rotation vibration spectrum of 12C which appears strikingly similar to the spectrum predicted by a new algebraic cluster model [3] employing a geometrical (D3h) symmetry with predicted recurring rotational bands including the states: 0+, 2+, 3-, (degenerate) 4+ and 4-, 5- etc [4,5].
Such structures and symmetries are common in molecular physics, but have been observed in nuclear physics for the first time. This model also allow us to elucidate the structure of the Hoyle state and as such it is in conflict with ab-initio effective field theory calculations on the lattice [5] that predict different structure of the Hoyle state. The calculations on the lattice on the other hand use the Hoyle state to conclude the masses of light quarks and the strength of the electromagnetic interaction (within the anthropic view of the universe).
Extension of this study to the newly constructed ELI-NP gamma ray facility in Bucharest with a Warsaw-UConn electronic readout TPC (eTPC) will be discussed.
