The ${}^{14}\mathrm{C}+\alpha$ decay of ${}^{18}\mathrm{O}$ has been studied via the ${}^{14}\mathrm{C}{(}^{18}\mathrm{O}{,}^{14}\mathrm{C}\alpha {)}^{14}\mathrm{C}$ reaction at 102 MeV. The excitation energy of the decaying ${}^{18}\mathrm{O}$ resonant particle has been determined following the coincident detection of the correlated ${}^{14}\mathrm{C}$ and $\alpha$ particles. A study of the angular correlations of the breakup fragments has allowed the spins of the decaying states to be investigated. The data provide evidence that a quasimolecular rotational band, identified by enhanced $\alpha$ decay, is observed in the reaction. Evidence is also presented for the ${}^{18}\mathrm{O}+\alpha$ decay of ${}^{22}\mathrm{Ne}.$

• Received 1 March 2002

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.66.024315