Potential absence of observed $\pi^2$ linear-chain structures in $^{14}$O via $^{10}$C($\alpha,\alpha$) resonant scattering
Abstract
Background: The preference for light nuclear systems to coagulate into -particle clusters has been well-studied. The possibility of a linear chain configuration of -particles would allow for a new way to study this phenomenon. Purpose: A rotational band of states in C has been claimed showing a linear chain structure. The mirror system, O, has been studied here to examine how this linear chain structure is affected by replacing the valence neutrons with protons. Method: A beam of C was incident into a chamber filled with He:CO gas with the tracks recorded inside the TexAT Time Projection Chamber and the recoil -particles detected by a silicon detector array to measure the cross section. Results: The experimental cross section was compared with previous studies and fit using R-Matrix theory with the previously-observed O states being transformed to the C using mirror symmetry. The measured cross section does not replicate the claimed states, with the predicted cross section exceeding that observed at several energies and angles. Conclusion: A series of possibilities are highlighted with the most likely being that the originally-seen C states did not constitute a rotational band with a potentially incorrect spin assignment due to the limitations of the angular correlation method with non-zero spin particles. The work highlights the difficulties in measuring broad resonances corresponding to a linear chain state in a high level density.
Keywords
Cite
@article{arxiv.2506.01534,
title = {Potential absence of observed $\pi^2$ linear-chain structures in $^{14}$O via $^{10}$C($\alpha,\alpha$) resonant scattering},
author = {J. Bishop and A. Hollands and Tz. Kokolova and G. V. Rogachev and C. Wheldon and E. Aboud and S. Ahn and M. Barbui and N. Curtis and J. Hooker and C. Hunt and H. Jayatissa and E. Koshchiy and S. Pirrie and B. T. Roeder and A. Saastamoinen and S. Upadhyayula},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2506.01534},
year = {2025}
}