One-dimensionality in atomic nuclei: A candidate for linear-chain α clustering in C 14

The clustering of α particles in atomic nuclei results in the self-organization of various geometrical arrangements at the femtometer scale. The one-dimensional alignment of multiple α particles is known as linear-chain structure, evidence of which has been highly elusive. We show via resonant elastic and inelastic α scattering of a radioactive Be10 beam that excited states in the neutron-rich nucleus C14 agree with recent predictions of linear-chain structure based on an antisymmetrized molecular dynamics model.