Alpha-particle clustering in excited expanding self-conjugate nuclei

TL;DR

This paper investigates alpha-particle clustering in excited self-conjugate nuclei using nuclear reaction data, providing evidence for clustering phenomena in specific nuclei through comparison with decay models.

Contribution

It presents experimental evidence supporting alpha-particle clustering in excited 16O, 20Ne, and 24Mg nuclei, advancing understanding of nuclear structure and decay processes.

Findings

Evidence of alpha clustering in excited nuclei

Comparison favors simultaneous decay models

Supports clustering as a key nuclear feature

Abstract

The fragmentation of quasi-projectiles from the nuclear reaction 40Ca + 12C at 25 MeV/nucleon was used to produce alpha-emission sources. From a careful selection of these sources provided by a complete detection and from comparisons with models of sequential and simultaneous decays, strong indications in favour of $\alpha$-particle clustering in excited 16O, 20Ne and 24}Mg are reported.