"Recent model calculations with most advanced methods for cluster states have shown the need of experimental data to probe the structure of light exotic nuclei, including those with alpha-clustering, such as 14C. The prototype Active Target Time Projection Chamber (pAT-TPC) was used in the present study. The pAT-TPC is a gas-filled thick-target detector with high luminosity and full kinematic acceptance. This type of detector gives access to a full excitation function with a single beam... Show more"Recent model calculations with most advanced methods for cluster states have shown the need of experimental data to probe the structure of light exotic nuclei, including those with alpha-clustering, such as 14C. The prototype Active Target Time Projection Chamber (pAT-TPC) was used in the present study. The pAT-TPC is a gas-filled thick-target detector with high luminosity and full kinematic acceptance. This type of detector gives access to a full excitation function with a single beam energy. The measurements in this work were carried out by resonant alpha-scattering of a 10Be beam at 38 and 20 MeV delivered by the TwinSol facility at the University of Notre Dame. These experiments measured resonances in 14C that can be compared to models by using R-Matrix reaction theory. Two new negative parity resonances were identified at high excitation energies. Additionally, using a Dalitz-type analysis, three-body decays were analyzed to determine probabilities of 'democratic' and 'sequential' decay. Increasing probability of democratic decay was found at high energy. Results were interpreted using Gamow Shell Model and Anti-Symmetrized Molecular Dynamics calculations which are described in detail."--Page ii. Show less
