Clusters in light stable and exotic nuclei

Abstract

Since the discovery of molecular resonances in $^{12}$C+$^{12}$C in the early sixties a great deal of research work has been undertaken to study alpha-clustering. Our knowledge on physics of nuclear molecules has increased considerably and nuclear clustering remains one of the most fruitful domains of nuclear physics, facing some of the greatest challenges and opportunities in the years ahead. Occurrence of "exotic" shapes and Bose-Einstein Condensates in light alpha-cluster nuclei are investigated. Various approaches of superdeformed/hyperdeformed shapes associated with quasimolecular resonant structures are discussed. The astrophysical reaction rate of 12C+12C is extracted from recent fusion measurements at deep subbarrier energies near the Gamov window. Evolution of clustering from stability to the drip-lines is examined.