The Hoyle Family: break-up measurements to probe α-condensation in light nuclei

Journal Article · 26 February 2020 · SciPost Physics Proceedings

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21468/SciPostPhysProc.3.030 · OSTI ID:1601679

Smith, Robin ^[1]; Bishop, Jack ^[2]; Hirst, Joel ^[3]; Kokalova, Tzany ^[4]; Wheldon, Carl ^[4]

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1. Sheffield Hallam University, University of Connecticut
2. Texas AM University
3. Sheffield Hallam University
4. University of Birmingham

The ^{12} ${}^{12}$ C Hoyle state is a candidate for \alpha $\alpha$ -condensation, due to its large volume and \alpha $\alpha$ -cluster structure. This paper discusses precision break-up measurements and how they can elucidate \alpha $\alpha$ -condensate structures. Two experiments are discussed in detail, firstly concerning the break-up of ^{12} ${}^{12}$ C and then the decays of heavier nuclei. With more theoretical input, and increasingly complex detector setups, precision break-up measurements can, in principle, provide insight into the structures of states in \alpha $\alpha$ -conjugate nuclei. At present, such searches have not delivered evidence for \alpha $\alpha$ -condensation in ^{12} ${}^{12}$ C or ^{16} ${}^{16}$ O.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• Grant/Contract Number: FG02-94ER40870
• OSTI ID: 1601679
• Journal Information: SciPost Physics Proceedings, Journal Name: SciPost Physics Proceedings Journal Issue: 3; ISSN 2666-4003
• Publisher: Stichting SciPostCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: Netherlands
• Language: English