Microscopic Description of 2α Decay in ^{212}Po and ^{224}Ra Isotopes

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Physics
• Quantum Mechanics
• Radioactive Decay

Background:

• Understanding radioactive decay mechanisms is crucial for nuclear physics.
• Alpha (α) decay and cluster decays are important phenomena in heavy nuclei.
• Previous models have limitations in accurately predicting decay half-lives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To perform microscopic calculations of α and 2α decay half-lives for ^{212}Po and ^{224}Ra.
• To investigate the dynamics of α and 2α emission using a self-consistent framework.
• To predict and characterize novel decay modes, such as symmetric 2α emission.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a self-consistent framework based on energy density functionals.
• Employing a relativistic density functional and a finite-range separable pairing interaction.
• Computing deformation energy surfaces and determining dynamical least-action paths for nuclear emission.

Main Results:

• Calculated α decay half-lives for ^{212}Po and ^{224}Ra show good agreement with experimental data.
• The study predicts a new decay mode: symmetric 2α emission.
• The predicted half-lives for symmetric 2α emission are comparable to those of other cluster decay modes.

Conclusions:

• The employed microscopic framework accurately describes α decay processes.
• Symmetric 2α emission represents a newly identified radioactive decay pathway.
• This research provides valuable insights into the complex mechanisms of nuclear decay.