Effect of electron screening on the $\alpha$ decay

Abstract

The physical principles that determine the effect of the electron shell of an atom on the alpha decay rate of the nucleus are presented. The effect is shown to be negative. Numerical calculations of the effect in helium-like ions are performed. It accounts for more than 80% of the effect in neutral atoms. The prospects for experimental detection of the effect in the storage rings of the GSI Darmstadt, ISF Lanzhou are discussed.