The Hoyle Family: The search for alpha-condensate states in light nuclei

SMITH, Robin, BISHOP, Jack, HIRST, Joel, KOKALOVA, Tzany and WHELDON, Carl (2020). The Hoyle Family: The search for alpha-condensate states in light nuclei. Few-Body Systems, 61, p. 14.

Preview

PDF Smith-HoyleFamilySearch(VoR).pdf - Published Version Creative Commons Attribution. Download (973kB) | Preview

Abstract

Our present understanding of the structure of the Hoyle state in 12C and other near-threshold states in α-conjugate nuclei is reviewed in the framework of the α-condensate model. The 12C Hoyle state, in particular, is a candidate for α-condensation, due to its large radius and α-cluster structure. The predicted features of nuclear α-particle condensates are reviewed along with a discussion of their experimental indicators, with a focus on precision break-up measurements. Two experiments are discussed in detail, firstly concerning the break-up of 12C and then the decays of heavier nuclei. With more theoretical input, and increasingly complex detector setups, precision breakup measurements can, in principle, provide insight into the structures of states in α-conjugate nuclei. However, the commonly-held belief that the decay of a condensate state will result in N α-particles is challenged. We further conclude that unambiguously characterising excited states built on α-condensates is difficult, despite improvements in detector technology.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	0105 Mathematical Physics; 0202 Atomic, Molecular, Nuclear, Particle and Plasma Physics; Nuclear & Particles Physics
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1007/s00601-020-1545-5
Page Range:	p. 14
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Elements
Depositing User:	Symplectic Elements
Date Deposited:	09 Mar 2020 16:08
Last Modified:	18 Mar 2021 01:49
URI:	https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/25923

Actions (login required)

View Item

Downloads

Publication Metrics