Search

The Hoyle analogue state in $$^{16}$$ O was explored by inelastic scattering of 45 MeV $$\alpha $$ s on a Mylar target. The break up 4 $$\alpha $$ s of $$^{16}$$ O have been detected in coincidence with the inelastically scattered $$\alpha $$ beam particle to probe the Hoyle analogue state of $$^{16}$$ O in complete kinematics, for the first time. The data have been analysed for all possible configurations and the excitation function of $$^{16}$$ O has been reconstructed directly from 4 $$\alpha $$ as well as for specific decay channels like $$^{12}$$ C(0 $$^{+}_{2}$$ ) + $$\alpha $$ , $$^{12}$$ C(3 $$^{-}_{1}$$ ) + $$\alpha $$ and $$^{8}$$ Be + $$^{8}$$ Be. Several previously known states have been observed above the $$4\alpha $$ break-up threshold (14.44 MeV) in the above mentioned decay channels. However, the signature of the 15.1 MeV state, most preferable to be the Hoyle analogue state according to the theoretical prediction, remains inconclusive.

After publication of the paper, the authors realized that one of the references was not correct. Its correct version appears in this erratum.

The cyclotron at Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre (VECC), Kolkata, has recentlyrecently completed its 40 years of operation in 2017. During the past four decades, VECC has been able to cross several milestones in exploring the properties of nuclei with the help of low energy light as well as heavy ions accelerated by the cyclotron. In this review, we endeavour to present an overall picture of the intense research activities in various branches of nuclear physics carried out in the past four decades using cyclotron, with special emphasis on the important achievements in each field.