Continuum excitations of $^{26}$O in a three-body model: $0^+$ and $2^+$ states

Abstract

The structure and decay dynamics for $0^+$ and $2^+$ continuum excitations of $^{26}$O are investigated in a three-body $^{24}$O+$n$+$n$ model. The validity of a simple approximation for the cross section profile for long-lived $2n$ emission is demonstrated. A sequence of three $0^+$ monopole ("breathing mode" type) excited states is predicted. These states could probably be interpreted as analogues of Efimov states pushed in the continuum due to insufficient binding. The calculated energies of the $2^+$ states are related to the excitation spectrum of $^{25}$O. We discuss the correlation between the predicted $^{26}$O spectrum and experimental observations.