Alpha clustering in $^{28}$Si probed through the identification of high-lying $0^+$ states

Abstract

Aspects of nuclear structure in alpha-conjugate nuclei have long been associated with alpha clustering, including the existence of superdeformed bands. In this paper, an alpha-particle inelastic scattering experiment investigating the location of $0^+$ states in $^{28}$Si is reported in an attempt to locate possible cluster states. The results are compared to a semi-microscopic model which shows good agreement with the data, and supports the assignment of a newly discovered $0^+$ state as the band-head of a previously observed superdeformed band in $^{28}$Si

6 figures, 8 pages, updated to fix broken figure placement, updated again to fix a couple of typos; final update