English (United Kingdom)

https://curated-unify.zendy.io/wp-json/zendy-region/v1/featured_content/oa?rat=en

https://curated-unify.zendy.io/wp-json/zendy-region/v1/highlighted_journal/

Global: Zendy Plus annual

Presents the access of premium content as premium feature

Premium Content

Presents the keyphrase highlighting as premium feature

Keyphrase Highlighting

Presents the summarisation as premium feature

Summarisation

Insights

Presents the pdf analysis as premium feature

PDF Analysis

Presents the zaia usage as premium feature

ZAIA

Global: Zendy Plus monthly

Global: Zendy Tools annual

Global: Zendy Tools monthly

Global: Zendy Free Plan

Our present understanding of the structure of the Hoyle state in $^{12}$C andother near-threshold states in $\alpha$-conjugate nuclei is reviewed in theframework of the $\alpha$-condensate model. The $^{12}$C Hoyle state, inparticular, is a candidate for $\alpha$-condensation, due to its large radiusand $\alpha$-cluster structure. The predicted features of nuclear$\alpha$-particle condensates are reviewed along with a discussion of theirexperimental indicators, with a focus on precision break-up measurements. Twoexperiments are discussed in detail, firstly concerning the break-up of$^{12}$C and then the decays of heavier nuclei. With more theoretical input,and increasingly complex detector setups, precision break-up measurements can,in principle, provide insight into the structures of states in$\alpha$-conjugate nuclei. However, the commonly-held belief that the decay ofa condensate state will result in $N$ $\alpha$-particles is challenged. Wefurther conclude that unambiguously characterising excited states built on$\alpha$-condensates is difficult, despite improvements in detector technology.

The Hoyle Family: The search for alpha-condensate states in light nuclei