Analytic expressions for alpha-decay half-lives and potential barriers

Abstract

From an adjustment on a recent selected data set of partial α-decay half-lives of 344 ground state to ground state transitions, analytical formulas are proposed for log 10 T 1 / 2 ( s ) depending or not on the angular momentum of the α particle. In particular, an expression allows to reproduce precisely the partial α-decay half-lives of even–even heavy nuclei and, then, to predict accurately the partial α-decay half-lives of other very heavy elements from the experimental or predicted Q α . Comparisons have been done with other empirical approaches. Moreover, the potential barrier against α-decay or α-capture has been determined within a liquid drop model including a proximity energy term. Simple expressions are provided to calculate the potential barrier radius and height.