Sources of light particles in peripheral collisions

By studying light charged particles emitted in coincidence with projectile-like fragments, we probe heavy ion reaction mechanisms that result in the production of light particles in peripheral collisions. Triple coincidence {alpha}-{alpha}-{sup 12}C correlations in the reactions of 35 MeV/nucleon {sup 16}O with Ni conclusively identify previously known sources of light particles. The fast, beam velocity component of {alpha} particles in coincidence with projectile-like fragments is associated with the breakup of the projectile. The correlations suggest that the origin of the intermediate velocity component of {alpha} particles is the target nucleus. Both of these components are characterized by {alpha} particles emitted during the early stages of the collision.