Extracting the spectral signature of α clustering in Ti44,48,52 using a continuous wavelet transform

A novel technique has been developed, making use of the continuous wavelet transform to identify a-clustered states from resonant scattering measurements in regions of high nuclear state density. This technique expedites the investigation of alpha clustering in medium mass and heavy nuclei where the role that alpha clustering plays in the structure of the nucleus is poorly understood. Here, we report the application of this technique to measurements of the He-4(Ca-40,(44),(48), alpha) resonant reactions, leading to an assessment of the alpha-cluster structure of Ti-44(,48,)52. Clustering involving alpha particles was identified in Ti-44 and Ti-52 but was observed to break down in Ti-48. The implications of these results are discussed.