Prospects of nuclear clustering studies via dissociation of relativistic nuclei in nuclear track emulsion

Abstract

Status and prospects of nuclear clustering studies by dissociation of relativistic nuclei in nuclear track emulsion are presented. The unstable 8Be and 9B nuclei are identified in dissociation of the isotopes 9Be, 10B, 10C and nC, and the Hoyle state in the cases 12C and 16O. On this ground searching for the Hoyle state and more complex α-particle states in the dissociation of the heavier nuclei is suggested. A detailed study of a low-density baryonic matter arising in dissociation of the heaviest nuclei is forthcoming long-term problem. An analysis of nuclear fragmentation induced by relativistic muons is proposed to examine the mechanism dissociation.