Possibility of a two-proton halo in [superscript 17]Ne

Abstract

The first measurement of the two proton removal, cross section and momentum distribution, with a Be target at 66 [Angstrom] MeV are reported. The momentum distribution shows a width of 168 [plus or minus] 17 MeV/c (FWHM) that is much narrower than the width expected from a normal nucleus (∼ 290 MeV/c). The proton removal cross-section has been determined to be 191 [plus or minus] 48 mb. Analysis of present data together with interaction cross section indicates significant s-wave probability of the two valence protons. This suggests a two-proton halo in [superscript 17]Ne.