Novel and simple description for a smooth transition from $\alpha$-cluster wave functions to $jj$-coupling shell model wave functions

We propose an improved version of Antisymmetrized Quasi-Cluster Model (AQCM) to describe a smooth transition from the $\alpha$-cluster wave function to the $jj$-coupling shell model wave function and apply it to the ground state of $^{12}$C. The cluster-shell transition in $^{12}$C is characterized in AQCM by only two parameters: $R$ representing the distance between $\alpha$ clusters and the center of mass, and $\Lambda$ describing the break of $\alpha$ clusters. The optimal AQCM wave function for the ground state of $^{12}$C is an intermediate state between the three-$\alpha$ cluster state and the shell model state with the $p_{3/2}$ subshell closure configuration. The result is consistent with that of the Antisymmetrized Molecular Dynamics (AMD), and the optimal AQCM wave function quantitatively agrees with the AMD one, although the number of degrees of freedom in AQCM is significantly fewer.