Correlation in formation of $^{8}$Be nuclei and $\alpha$-particles in fragmentation of relativistic nuclei

TL;DR

This study investigates how the formation of $^{8}$Be nuclei correlates with the number of $1$-particles produced during the fragmentation of various relativistic nuclei, revealing an increased $^{8}$Be contribution with higher $1$-particle multiplicity.

Contribution

It introduces a method to analyze short-lived nuclear states via invariant mass calculations in relativistic nuclear dissociation, highlighting the correlation between $^{8}$Be formation and $1$-particle multiplicity.

Findings

Enhanced $^{8}$Be contribution with higher $1$-particle multiplicity.

Similar trend observed for $^{9}$B decays and Hoyle states.

Correlation estimates provided for different nuclei.

Abstract

In the events of peripheral dissociation of relativistic nuclei in the nuclear track emulsion, it is possible to study the emerging ensembles of He and H nuclei, including those from decays of unstable $^{8}$Be and $^{9}$B nuclei, as well as the Hoyle state. These extremely short-lived states are identified by invariant masses calculated from the angles in 2$\alpha$-pairs, 2$\alpha p$- and 3$\alpha$-triplets in the approximation of conservation of momentum per nucleon of the primary nucleus. In the same approach, it is possible to search for more complex states. This paper explores the correlation between the formation of $^{8}$Be nuclei and the multiplicity of accompanying $\alpha$-particles in the dissociation of relativistic $^{16}$O, $^{22}$Ne, $^{28}$Si, and $^{197}$Au nuclei. On the above basis, estimates of this correlation are presented for the unstable $^{9}$B nucleus and the Hoyle state. The enhancement in the $^{8}$Be contribution to dissociation with the $\alpha$-particle multiplicity has been found. Decays of $^{9}$B nuclei and Hoyle states follow the same trend.