Systematic trends in beta-delayed particle emitting nuclei: The case of beta-p-alpha emission from 21Mg

TL;DR

This paper reports the observation of beta-delayed alpha and p-alpha emission from 21Mg, analyzing systematic trends in such decays and highlighting the influence of odd-even effects on decay patterns.

Contribution

First observation of beta-p-alpha emission from 21Mg, and analysis of systematic decay patterns influenced by odd-even effects.

Findings

Beta-p-alpha emission observed from 21Mg

Decay patterns align with existing systematic trends

Odd-even effects significantly influence decay behaviors

Abstract

We have observed beta+-delayed alpha and p-alpha emission from the proton-rich nucleus 21Mg produced at the ISOLDE facility at CERN. The assignments were cross-checked with a time distribution analysis. This is the third identified case of beta-p-alpha emission. We discuss the systematic of beta-delayed particle emission decays, show that our observed decays fit naturally into the existing pattern, and argue that the patterns are to a large extent caused by odd-even effects.