Formation and decay of resonance states in 9Be and 9B nuclei: Microscopic three-cluster model investigations

We study the nature of the low-lying resonance states in mirror nuclei Be-9 and B-9. Investigations are performed within a three-cluster model. The model makes use of the hyperspherical harmonics, which provides a convenient description of the three-cluster continuum. The dominant three-cluster configurations alpha + alpha + n and alpha + alpha + p in Be-9 and B-9, respectively, are taken into account. Dominant decay channels for all resonance states in Be-9 and B-9 are explored. Much attention is paid to the controversial 1/2(+) resonance states in both nuclei. We study effects of the Coulomb interaction on the energy and width of three-cluster resonances in the mirror nuclei Be-9 and B-9. We also search for the Hoyle-analog state, which is a key step for alternative ways to synthesize Be-9 and B-9 in triple collisions of clusters in a stellar environment.