Reviewing relative longevity of beta-stable odd-n nuclei in actinides: Using alpha preformation probabilities from cluster formation model

Typically, the expected trend across the periodic table is that the even-even nuclei are more stable than their odd-mass neighbours. This occurrence leads to the idea of pairing term in the determination of binding energy (BE) in liquid drop model (LDM) based semi-empirical mass formula (SEMF). Contrary to this, it is observed that odd N nuclei, especially in the actinide and super heavy region, seem to have relative longevity over their even-N neighbours in the triad, which have alpha or SF as their dominant mode of decay. In this paper, we analyse these predominantly alpha decaying odd-N nuclei based on the alpha preformation probability Pα obtained using the cluster formation model (CFM). Calculations of Pαs using CFM are based on the experimental BEs obtained from AME 2016 atomic mass evaluation. The analysis based on this method validates the observation that outermost neutron in odd-N nuclei takes on a spectator role and hence increases their relative longevity. This could lead to important insights while proposing microscopic models for α-decay.