The role of the Pauli principle in three-cluster systems composed of identical clusters

Within the microscopic model based on the algebraic version of the resonating group method the role of the Pauli principle in the formation of continuum wave function of nuclear systems composed of three identical s-clusters has been investigated. Emphasis is placed upon the study of the exchange effects contained in the genuine three-cluster norm kernel. Three-fermion, three-boson, three-dineutron (3d') and 3 alpha systems are considered in detail. Simple analytical method of constructing the norm kernel for 3 alpha system is suggested. The Pauli-allowed basis functions for the 3 alpha and 3d' systems are given in an explicit form and asymptotic behavior of these functions is established. Complete classification of the eigenfunctions and the eigenvalues of the (12)C norm kernel by the (8)Be = alpha + alpha eigenvalues has been given for the first time. Spectrum of the (12)C norm kernel is compared to that of the (5)H system. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.