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Positive-Parity Linear-Chain Molecular Band in ^{16}C
1School of Physics and State Key Laboratory of Nuclear Physics and Technology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
Researchers investigated the linear-chain clustering structure in carbon-16 using inelastic excitation and cluster-decay experiments. They identified resonances and determined decay paths, confirming predicted molecular bands in this neutron-rich nucleus.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Physics
- Nuclear Astrophysics
- Quantum Chemistry
Background:
- Investigating exotic nuclear structures like linear-chain clusters in neutron-rich nuclei is crucial for understanding nuclear forces and astrophysical processes.
- The carbon-16 nucleus is theoretically predicted to exhibit unique linear-chain molecular configurations.
- Experimental evidence for these exotic structures has been limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally investigate the predicted linear-chain clustering structure in the neutron-rich carbon-16 nucleus.
- To determine the decay paths of carbon-16 resonances to specific states in daughter nuclei.
- To identify and characterize new states associated with linear-chain molecular bands.
Main Methods:
- Performed an inelastic excitation and cluster-decay experiment using the reaction ^{2}H(^{16}C,^{4}He+^{12}Be or ^{6}He+^{10}Be)^{2}H.
- Utilized threefold coincident measurements to obtain well-resolved Q-value spectra.
- Analyzed angular correlations and decay properties to assign quantum characteristics (Jπ) and configurations.
Main Results:
- Successfully determined decay paths from carbon-16 resonances to final nuclei states for the first time.
- Identified a close-threshold resonance at 16.5 MeV as the Jπ=0+ band head of a positive-parity linear-chain molecular band.
- Observed other members of this band at 17.3, 19.4, and 21.6 MeV, consistent with theoretical predictions.
- Discovered a high-lying state at 27.2 MeV, decaying predominantly to ^{6}He+^{10}Be, matching another predicted linear-chain structure.
Conclusions:
- The experimental results provide strong evidence for the existence of linear-chain molecular structures in carbon-16.
- The identified resonances and their decay properties confirm theoretical predictions of molecular bands.
- This study opens new avenues for exploring exotic nuclear clustering phenomena.
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