Z dependence of the (γ, α) reaction yield

Abstract

Reactions induced by photons may be used as a probe for bonds and correlations of nucleons inside a heavy target nucleus. In contrast to strongly interacting particles, electromagnetic radiation perturbs nucleons only slightly. The yield of (γ, α) reactions could be used to test theoretical models that assume complete alpha-particle clustering or the presence of multiquark objects in heavy nuclei. The relative yields of (γ, n), (γ, p), and (γ, α) reactions were measured at the bremsstrahlung endpoint energy of 23 MeV for several targets. A much lower probability of (γ, α) in relation to (γ, p) reactions was proved despite very close threshold and spin factors for the two reaction types being considered. Therefore, alpha-particle clustering in heavy targets was not confirmed. The mechanism of particle release in nuclear reactions is discussed, and some details are clarified.