α Decays in Superstrong Static Electric Fields

Superstrong static electric fields could deform Coulomb barriers between alpha clusters and daughter nuclei, and bring up the possibility of speeding up alpha decays. We adopt a simplified model for the spherical alpha emitter Po-212 and study its responses to superstrong static electric fields. We find that superstrong electric fields with field strengths vertical bar E vertical bar similar to 0.1 MV/fm could turn the angular distribution of alpha emissions from isotropic to strongly anisotropic, and speed up alpha decays by more than one order of magnitude. We also study the influences of superstrong electric fields along the Po isotope chains, and discuss the implications of our studies on alpha decays in superstrong monochromatic laser fields. The study here might be helpful for future theoretical studies of alpha decay in realistic superstrong laser fields.