Exotic clustering in Ce and Nd isotopes

We propose exotic binary cluster models for the intermediate mass nuclei Ce -146,Ce-148,Ce-150 and Nd-148,Nd-150,Nd-152,Nd-154. The optimum choice of c luster and core is determined by joint consideration of the penetrability f or exotic cluster emission, the deviations of cluster and core binding ener gies from underlying liquid drop values and the Q-values for breakup. It is noticeable that the core neutron number selected in this way is at or near the N = 82 shell closure. We use a standard form of the cluster-core poten tial to calculate the energies and wave functions of states in the ground 0 (+), 2(+), 4(+),... and lowest lying negative parity 1(-), 3(-), 5(-),... b ands. The theoretical spectra and electromagnetic properties are compared w ith measurements, and their general trends are reproduced satisfactorily. ( C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.