Exotic decay modes of uranium isotopes

Abstract

We investigate the emission of alpha particles and various clusters from uranium isotopes using the Effective Liquid Drop Model. The study has been carried out for the isotopes ranging between the p-drip-line and beta stability line. The half-lives calculated are in good agreement with the Universal Decay law, the scaling law of Horoi et al. and also with the available experimental values. We have listed the half-lives of all probable decay modes of uranium isotopes. The uncertainties in Q-value and half-lives are also presented. It is also observed that the probability of cluster emission decreases with the increase of neutron number of parent nuclei. The linear nature Geiger-Nuttal plot has been reproduced for the prominent decay modes. The study also affirms the inevitable role of neutron magicity in cluster radioactivity. We have also analyzed the branching ratios to identify the most prominent decay modes of uranium isotopes.