Exploration of Excited Stated in Alpha Conjugate Reaction Systems*

In the past few years, there has been some experimental efforts to explore the possibility of high-spin nuclei being stabalized by a toroidal configuration in high excitation energy states, particularly in ²⁸Si. This possibility has theoretical backing, particularly in alpha conjugate nuclei within the mass range 24 <= A <= 40. A recent experiment with ³⁶Ar and ²⁰Ne + C at 35 MeV/u has been performed using the FAUST detector array to continue to probe these potential excited states over a wider mass range. The FAUST array was chosen for these studies for it's sub-millimeter position resolution allowing for very precise reconstructions of excitation functions. The data from this experiment will be presented along with preliminary findings of any potential excited states.