  The evolution of single-particle orbits along the N=28 isotonic chain is
studied within the framework of a relativistic mean-field approximation. We
focus on three topical aspects of the N=28 chain: (a) the emergence of a new
magic number at Z=14; (b) the possible erosion of the N=28 shell; and (c) the
weakening of the spin-orbit splitting among low-j neutron orbits. The present
model supports the emergence of a robust Z=14 subshell gap in 48Ca, that
persists as one reaches the neutron-rich isotone 42Si. Yet the proton removal
from 48Ca results in a significant erosion of the N=28 shell in 42Si. Finally,
the removal of s1/2 protons from 48Ca causes a ~50% reduction of the spin-orbit
splitting among neutron p-orbitals in 42Si.
