Study of beta-delayed 3-body and 5-body breakup channels observed in the decay of ^11Li

TL;DR

This study investigates beta-delayed particle emission from ^11Li, focusing on three- and five-body breakup channels, revealing the importance of resonance states and sequential decay paths in the process.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the decay mechanisms of ^11Li, emphasizing the role of ^AHe resonance states and challenging previous phase-space assumptions.

Findings

Resonance states significantly influence decay channels.

Evidence of sequential decay paths in ^11Li decay.

Exclusion of phase-space decay model for the 18.15 MeV state.

Abstract

The beta-delayed charged particle emission from ^11Li has been studied with emphasis on the three-body n+alpha+^6He and five-body 2alpha+3n channels from the 10.59 and 18.15 MeV states in ^11Be. Monte Carlo simulations using an R-matrix formalism lead to the conclusion that the ^AHe resonance states play a significant role in the break-up of these states. The results exclude an earlier assumption of a phase-space description of the break-up process of the 18.15 MeV state. Evidence for extra sequential decay paths is found for both states.