Proton inelastic scattering in inverse kinematics as a mean for determining decay rates in continuum: The 9Be + p case

In this work we investigate whether it is feasible with proton inelastic scattering in inverse kinematics to quantify breakup decay rates, by observing the proton recoil in a full kinematics approach. Taking as example the 2.43 MeV excited state of 9Be, we perform an exclusive breakup measurement of 9Be incident on a proton target at an energy of 51 MeV. Two of the three cluster constituents (α and α) as well as the proton target recoil are recorded in a triple coincidence mode. As in other methods we have determined relative α−α and α−n, Q-value and 9Be excitation spectra, energy spectra for all fragments observed and non observed, reconstructed in a full kinematics approach. Additionally to that, we have obtained and concentrated on energy spectra of the proton recoil. The signature of the 9Be configurations were identified in bi-dimensional ΔE−E spectra (proton contour) and decay rates were determined for all three configurations He5+α, Be8+n and α+α+n. Finally a breakup cross section was deduced as σbreak=(142±20)mb. We conclude that proton inelastic excitation to continuum of Borromean light nuclei in inverse kinematics, may provide the mean for probing in the proton recoil spectra the decay rates through all cluster configurations. This involves extensive simulations with the implementation of the experimental conditions and of calculations describing the physics in continuum.