New approach forα-decay calculations of deformed nuclei

Abstract

We present a new theoretical approach to evaluate $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-decay properties of deformed nuclei, namely the multichannel cluster model (MCCM). The deformed $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-nucleus potential is taken into full account, and the coupled-channel Schr\"odinger equation with outgoing wave boundary conditions is employed for quasibound states. Systematic calculations are carried out for well-deformed even-even nuclei with $Z\ensuremath{\geqslant}98$ and isospin dependence of nuclear potentials is included in the calculations. Fine structure observed in $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ decay is well described by the four-channel microscopic calculation, which is performed for the first time in $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-decay studies. The good agreement between experiment and theory is achieved for both total $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-decay half-lives and branching ratios to the ground-state rotational band of daughter nuclei. Predictions on the branching ratios to high-spin daughter states are presented for superheavy nuclei, which may be important to interpret future observations.