Non-statistical decay and α-correlations in the 12C+ 12C fusion-evaporation reaction at 95 MeV

Multiple alpha coincidences and correlations are studied in the reaction 12C+12C at 95 MeV for fusion?evaporation events completely detected in charge. Two specific channels with carbon and oxygen residues in coincidence with ? ?particles are addressed, which are associated with anomalously high branching ratios with respect to the predictions of Hauser?Feshbach calculations. Triple alpha emission appears kinematically compatible with a sequential emission from a highly excited Mg. The phase space distribution of ? ? ? coincidences suggests a correlated emission from a Mg compound, leaving an oxygen residue excited above the threshold for neutron decay. These observations indicate a preferential ? emission of 24Mg at excitation energies well above the threshold for 6 ? ? decay.