Influence of a continuum on cluster-decay processes

A microscopic approach to cluster decay including single-particle states in a continuum is given. The equations of motion describing cluster-like states are derived within the multistep shell-model approach. The lowest collective two-particle eigenmodes are used as building blocks for α-like states. Good agreement with low-lying states in ²¹²Po is obtained. The spectroscopic factor for the α decay between ground states is reproduced. It is shown that only by including the continuum part of the single-particle spectrum is the decay width for α-and cluster-decay processes reproduced. The α-like structure of the lowest states in ²¹²Po is analyzed, and strong high-lying resonances are predicted.