Search for the Hoyle analogue state in $$^{16}$$ 16 O

The Hoyle analogue state in $$^{16}$$ O was explored by inelastic scattering of 45 MeV $$\alpha $$ s on a Mylar target. The break up 4 $$\alpha $$ s of $$^{16}$$ O have been detected in coincidence with the inelastically scattered $$\alpha $$ beam particle to probe the Hoyle analogue state of $$^{16}$$ O in complete kinematics, for the first time. The data have been analysed for all possible configurations and the excitation function of $$^{16}$$ O has been reconstructed directly from 4 $$\alpha $$ as well as for specific decay channels like $$^{12}$$ C(0 $$^{+}_{2}$$ ) + $$\alpha $$ , $$^{12}$$ C(3 $$^{-}_{1}$$ ) + $$\alpha $$ and $$^{8}$$ Be + $$^{8}$$ Be. Several previously known states have been observed above the $$4\alpha $$ break-up threshold (14.44 MeV) in the above mentioned decay channels. However, the signature of the 15.1 MeV state, most preferable to be the Hoyle analogue state according to the theoretical prediction, remains inconclusive.