High Spin Proton Emitters in Odd-Odd Nuclei and Shape Changes

Abstract

We present a formalism to describe proton emission from odd-odd nuclei based on a scattering like approach. Special emphasis is given to the case of transitions between states with different deformations. As an example we estimate the proton half-life of the odd-odd nucleus $^{58}$Cu. Our calculations show that the change of deformation in the decay process has a significant influence on the half-life. In addition, the angular momentum coupling of proton and neutron orbitals can result in an important $K$-hindrance of the decay. To fully account for the observed half-life in $^{58}$Cu, one has to consider a shape mixing in the final state.