Alpha Conjugate Neck Structures in the Collisions of 35 MeV/nucleon 40Ca with 40Ca

TL;DR

This study investigates alpha-conjugate nuclei de-excitation in 40Ca + 40Ca collisions at 35 MeV/nucleon, revealing binary collision dynamics and the formation of alpha-clustered neck structures with unique geometries.

Contribution

It introduces the observation of alpha-clustered neck structures with exotic geometries in 40Ca reactions, highlighting the role of alpha-conjugate exit channels and hierarchy effects.

Findings

Binary dissipative collision character confirmed.

Alpha-conjugate exit channels dominate at specific conditions.

Formation of alpha-clustered neck structures with exotic geometries.

Abstract

The de-excitation of alpha-conjugate nuclei produced in reactions of 35 MeV/nucleon 40Ca with 40Ca has been investigated. Particular emphasis is placed on examining the dynamics of collisions leading to projectile-like fragment exit channels. A general exploration of the reaction systematics reveals the binary dissipative character of the collisions and a hierarchy effect similar to that seen for heavier systems. Investigation of the subset of events characterized by a total alpha-conjugate mass (alpha particles plus alpha-conjugate fragments) equal to 40 and atomic number equal to 20 reveals a dominance of alpha-conjugate exit channels. The hierarchy effect for these channels leads to the production of alpha-clustered neck structures with potentially exotic geometries and properties.