Octupole correlations in the nucleus $^{144}$Ba described with symmetry conserving configuration mixing calculations
We study the interplay of quadrupole and octupole degrees of freedom in the structure of the isotope $^{144}$Ba. A symmetry conserving configuration mixing method (SCCM) based on a Gogny energy density functional (EDF) has been used. The method includes particle number, parity and angular momentum restoration as well as axial quadrupole and octupole shape mixing within the generator coordinate method. Predictions both for excitation energies and electromagnetic transition probabilities are in good agreement with the most recent experimental data.