Alpha-particle decays from excited states in 24Mg

Using a cluster model based on the Woods-Saxon potential, alpha-particle decays from excited states in 24Mg have been systematically investigated. Calculations can in general reproduce experimental data, noticing the fact that the preformation factor P of alpha particle in alpha-decaying nuclei is of order from 100 to 10−2. This can be the evidence for the α+20Ne structure in 24Mg. Meanwhile, the results also show the existence of other configurations, such as 16O+2α. Since the calculated decay widths are very sensitive to the angular momentum carried by the outgoing cluster (α particle), our results could serve as a guide to experimental spin assignments.