In the microscopic approach the decay constant of cluster radioactivity is determined by the preformation probability for the open channel multiplied with the Gamov penetrability. The preformation probability is found to possess a simple mass dependence on the emitted cluster. This observation leads to a formula for order-of-magnitude estimates of absolute decay constants. The estimates are in excellent agreement with available experimental data. Predictions for as-yet unmeasured decay rates are made.

• Received 27 July 1988

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.61.1930