The αdecay path of the Hoyle state in 12C (Ex = 7:654MeV) represents one ofthe most challenging questions of modern nuclear physics. Its knowledge can help in theunderstanding of cluster configurations in light nuclei and the possible existence of Bose-Einstein condensates in nuclei. In stars, it is involved in the so-called 3αprocess, wherethe 12C nucleosynthesis occurs. We studied the 14N(d; α2)12C(7:654) reaction at 10:5MeVincident energy to probe its direct decay component. We found, with a precision higherof a factor 5 than any other previous experiment, an almost total absence of direct decaysby-passing the ground state of 8Be. From our analysis, a new upper limit of such decayis found at 0:043% (95% C.L.). Astrophysical 3α process reaction rate calculations haveto be accordingly revised.

The α-decay of the Hoyle state in 12C: A new high-precision investigation

Dell'Aquila, D.;Lombardo, I.;VERDE, Giuseppa;Acosta, L.;Agodi, C.;Cappuzzello, F.;Carbone, D.;Cherubini, S.;D'Agata, G.;Francalanza, L.;Guardo, G. L.;Indelicato, I.;La Cognata, M.;Lamia, L.;Pizzone, R. G.;Puglia, S. M. R.;Rapisarda, G. G.;Romano, S.;Spartà, R.;Spitaleri, C.;
2018-01-01

Abstract

The αdecay path of the Hoyle state in 12C (Ex = 7:654MeV) represents one ofthe most challenging questions of modern nuclear physics. Its knowledge can help in theunderstanding of cluster configurations in light nuclei and the possible existence of Bose-Einstein condensates in nuclei. In stars, it is involved in the so-called 3αprocess, wherethe 12C nucleosynthesis occurs. We studied the 14N(d; α2)12C(7:654) reaction at 10:5MeVincident energy to probe its direct decay component. We found, with a precision higherof a factor 5 than any other previous experiment, an almost total absence of direct decaysby-passing the ground state of 8Be. From our analysis, a new upper limit of such decayis found at 0:043% (95% C.L.). Astrophysical 3α process reaction rate calculations haveto be accordingly revised.
2018
Physics and Astronomy (all)
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11769/357948
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