Stability of 248-254^Cf isotopes against alpha and cluster radioactivity

TL;DR

This study analyzes the stability of Californium isotopes against alpha and cluster decay using a Coulomb and proximity potential model, revealing stability against light clusters and instability against heavy cluster emissions, with deformation effects influencing decay half-lives.

Contribution

The paper introduces a detailed Coulomb and proximity potential model to evaluate decay stability of Cf isotopes, incorporating deformation effects and comparing alpha decay predictions with experimental data.

Findings

Cf isotopes are stable against light clusters except alpha particles.

Heavy cluster emissions lead to doubly magic 208Pb or similar nuclei.

Quadrupole deformation reduces decay half-lives by lowering the barrier.

Abstract

Stability of 248-254^Cf nuclei against alpha and cluster emission is studied within our Coulomb and proximity potential model (CPPM). It is found that these nuclei are stable against light clusters (except alpha particle) and instable against heavy cluster emissions. For heavy cluster emissions the daughter nuclei lead to doubly magic 208^Pb or neighbouring one. The effect of quadrapole and hexadecapole deformations of parent nuclei, daughter nuclei and emitted cluster on half lives are also studied. The computed alpha decay half life values (with including quadrupole deformation {\beta}2) are in close agreement with experimental data. Inclusion of quadrupole deformation reduces the height and width of the barrier (increases the barrier penetrability) and hence half life decreases.