Alpha widths in deformed nuclei: Microscopic approach

Abstract

A microscopic approach to the alpha decay problem in deformed nuclei is presented. The nuclear wave functions are calculated in the frame of the Nilsson+BCS approximation, making use of a realistic deformed mean field. A large configuration space has been employed in the calculation of the formation amplitude while the penetration process has been treated within the WKB approximation. The calculated widths agree with the experimental data within a factor of about 3. Effects due to deformation are also discussed. Applications are presented for Ra, Rn, and Th isotopes.