The width of the ${}^{12}\mathrm{O}$ ground state is calculated, using $R$-matrix formulas for one-proton sequential decay through the ground state of ${}^{11}\mathrm{N}$ to the ${}^{10}\mathrm{C}$ ground state. From simple models for the ${}^{12}\mathrm{O}$ and ${}^{11}\mathrm{N}$ states, upper limits are placed on the reduced widths for the two decays, giving an upper limit on the ${}^{12}\mathrm{O}$ width that is less than about 100 keV. It is suggested that the available experimental data may not be inconsistent with this limit.

• Received 10 September 1998

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.59.535