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Crossing the Z=82 shell closure accelerates alpha decay, as shown by new data on neutron-deficient isotopes. This finding highlights the influence of shell closures on alpha decay probabilities.

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Area of Science:

  • Nuclear Physics
  • Atomic Physics
  • Radioactive Decay

Background:

  • Investigating alpha decay properties of neutron-deficient isotopes provides insights into nuclear structure.
  • The Z=82 shell closure is a key feature in nuclear physics, influencing nuclear stability and decay modes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze new alpha-decay data for over 20 neutron-deficient isotopes near the lead-thorium region.
  • To demonstrate the effect of crossing the Z=82 shell closure on alpha decay rates.

Main Methods:

  • Experiments conducted at the velocity filter Separator for Heavy Ion reaction Products (SHIP).
  • Analysis of alpha-decay data, including the decay of Polonium-186 (186Po).
  • Application of the Universal Decay Law to deduce alpha-particle formation probabilities.

Main Results:

  • Crossing the Z=82 shell closure significantly accelerates alpha decay.
  • Alpha-particle formation probabilities were determined and analyzed.
  • A correlation was observed between the phenomenological pairing gap and formation probabilities.

Conclusions:

  • The Z=82 and N=126 shell closures strongly influence alpha-formation probability.
  • Pairing forces play a crucial role in the formation of alpha particles.
  • Experimental binding energies correlate with deduced formation probabilities.