Radiative proton capture on $^6$He

Abstract

Radiative capture of protons is investigated as a probe of clustering in nuclei far from stability. The first such measurement on a halo nucleus is reported here for the reaction $^6$He(p,$γ$) at 40 MeV. Capture into $^7$Li is observed as the strongest channel. In addition, events have been recorded that may be described by quasi-free capture on a halo neutron, the $α$ core and $^5$He. The possibility of describing such events by capture into the continuum of $^7$Li is also discussed.

4 pages, 3 figures, submitted to PRL