Exploring $\beta^+$ decay/EC residues in $^{118}$Sn($^{12}$C,x)$^{130}$Ba reaction

Abstract

The fusion cross-sections of $^{126}$Ba, $^{127,126,125}$Cs, $^{125,123,122}$Xe and $^{124,123}$I residues, populated via $x$n, p$x$n, $\alpha$$x$n, and $\alpha$p$x$n channels, have been measured in $^{12}$C+$^{118}$Sn system at E$_{\textrm{lab}}$ $\approx$ 65-85 MeV. For an insight into the formation and decay modes of these residues, experimentally measured cross-sections have been analyzed in the framework of theoretical model codes PACE4 and EMPIRE. The cross-sections of p$x$n ($^{127,126,125}$Cs), $\alpha$xn ($^{125}$Xe), and $\alpha$p$x$n ($^{123}$I) channels have been found to be substantially fed from their higher charge isobars via $\beta^+$ decay and electron capture. In order to deduce the contribution of higher charge isobars in the population of these residues, the independent cross-sections of evaporation residues have been calculated using the prescription of Cavinato $et$ $al.$ and compared with that calculated using theoretical model codes. It has been found that the PACE4 and EMPIRE calculations fairly reproduce the independent cross-sections of evaporation residues within the experimental uncertainties. Interestingly, it has been found that the $\alpha$-emitting channels, contrary to established findings in reactions involving $\alpha$ cluster projectiles (e.g., $^{12}$C, $^{16}$O, etc.) at low incident energies, display negligible contribution of incomplete fusion (ICF). A comparison of incomplete fusion fraction as a function of entrance channel mass-asymmetry for reactions involving $^{12}$C projectile with nearby targets indicates dissimilar behavior of $^{118}$Sn target.