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arxiv: 2605.19251 · v1 · pith:GFEK5WSZnew · submitted 2026-05-19 · ⚛️ nucl-ex

The Online Berkeley Evaluated Alpha and Proton Radioactivity database (BEα pR) -- from Li to Og!

J.C. Batchelder , A.M. Hurst This is my paper

Pith reviewed 2026-05-20 02:50 UTC · model grok-4.3

classification ⚛️ nucl-ex
keywords nuclear databasealpha radioactivityproton radioactivitybeta-delayed decayheavy particle emissionisospin projectionevaluated nuclear datanuclear structure
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0 comments X

The pith

A new evaluated database compiles branching ratios, half-lives, Q-values, and transition data for every known beta-delayed and direct proton, alpha, cluster, and fission emitter.

A machine-rendered reading of the paper's core claim, the machinery that carries it, and where it could break.

The paper presents the Berkeley Evaluated Alpha and proton Radioactivity database (BEαpR), which gathers evaluated data on all known heavy-particle emitters across the chart of nuclides. It supplies branching ratios, half-lives, particle-separation energies, and specific emission energies with initial and final states for nuclei where these decays are energetically allowed. The entries are grouped by isospin projection Tz from -4 to +31 and include decay-mode diagrams plus reference lists. A reader would value a single, maintained public source that reduces the need to hunt through scattered experimental papers when studying nuclear structure or decay properties.

Core claim

The authors have developed the Berkeley Evaluated Alpha and proton Radioactivity (BEαpR) database detailing information on all known β+-delayed and direct heavy-particle emitters (p, α, cluster, fission). The compiled data encompasses branching ratios, half lives, and all relevant Q-values and particle-separation energies for all nuclei where such decays are energetically possible, plus particle-emission energies, intensities, and associated states for nuclei with known discrete transitions. The nuclides are organized by isospin projection Tz, split into even and odd Z datasets, with complete compilations from Tz = -4 to Tz = +31, each accompanied by graphical illustrations of major decay 4.

What carries the argument

The BEαpR database, which compiles and organizes evaluated nuclear decay data by isospin projection Tz into even- and odd-Z sets.

If this is right

  • Complete lists of energetically allowed proton, alpha, cluster, and fission decays become available in one place for nuclei from Li to Og.
  • Periodic updates will incorporate new experimental results as they appear.
  • Current PDF downloads give access to the full sets from Tz = -4 to +31 along with references and decay diagrams.
  • The database forms the initial step toward a fully open-source, machine-readable resource.

Where Pith is reading between the lines

These are editorial extensions of the paper, not claims the author makes directly.

  • The Tz organization may make it easier to spot isospin-dependent trends in decay widths across mirror nuclei.
  • Modelers of astrophysical processes on the proton-rich side could use the compiled separation energies directly in reaction networks.
  • The planned machine-readable format would allow automated ingestion into nuclear reaction codes or statistical decay simulations.

Load-bearing premise

All relevant experimental data from the literature has been accurately identified, evaluated, and transcribed without omissions or errors.

What would settle it

A systematic comparison that finds a documented decay mode, Q-value, or transition energy present in the primary literature but absent or incorrectly recorded in the database.

Figures

Figures reproduced from arXiv: 2605.19251 by A.M. Hurst, J.C. Batchelder.

Figure 1
Figure 1. Figure 1: Hypothetical schematic representation of possible decay modes associated with an isotope beyond the proton drip line. ratios, 𝑇1∕2, and all relevant 𝑄 values and separation energies 𝑆 (either taken directly, mostly from Ref. [2] except where noted, or calculated) listed for those nuclei where these decays are energetically possible. In addition, for those nuclei with measured proton and alpha transitions, … view at source ↗
Figure 2
Figure 2. Figure 2: Decay diagram from the even-𝑍, 𝑇𝑧 = +1 dataset. chains, thereby allowing the user to selectively retrieve infor￾mation on the entire decay sequence. This method of organi￾zation is in stark contrast to the Evaluated Nuclear Structure Data File (ENSDF) [7] which arranges nuclei around 𝛽- decay chains. Consequently, this requires users to selectively query several different datasets in ENSDF where complete i… view at source ↗
read the original abstract

We have developed the new Berkeley Evaluated Alpha and proton Radioactivity (BE$\alpha p$R) database detailing information on all known $\beta^{+}$-delayed and direct heavy-particle emitters (p, $\alpha$, cluster, fission). The compiled data encompasses branching ratios, half lives, and all relevant $Q$-values and particle-separation energies. These are listed for all nuclei where such decays are energetically possible. In addition, for nuclei with known discrete proton and alpha transitions, the particle-emission energies, intensities, and associated initial and final states are also provided. A graphical illustration of the major decay modes and a corresponding list of experimental references is also given for each dataset. The compiled nuclides are organized by their isospin projection ($T_{z}$) and split into even and odd $Z$ datasets. Complete compilations of the database from $T_{z} = -4$ to $T_{z} = +31$ are included. We intend to maintain this database and post updates periodically as new relevant data becomes available. In its current construct, information from this database can currently be downloaded, in part or entirely, in portable document format as we are developing a more useful machine-readable format for future dissemination. Making the database publicly available in the manner described here represents the first step in the ongoing development of a fully open-source project.

Editorial analysis

A structured set of objections, weighed in public.

Desk editor's note, referee report, simulated authors' rebuttal, and a circularity audit. Tearing a paper down is the easy half of reading it; the pith above is the substance, this is the friction.

Referee Report

2 major / 1 minor

Summary. The manuscript presents the Berkeley Evaluated Alpha and Proton Radioactivity (BEαpR) database, compiling branching ratios, half-lives, Q-values, particle-separation energies, and discrete transition data (energies, intensities, initial/final states) for all known β⁺-delayed and direct heavy-particle emitters (p, α, cluster, fission) from Li to Og. Data are provided for all nuclei where such decays are energetically possible, organized by isospin projection Tz with even/odd Z splits, and include graphical decay-mode illustrations plus experimental references. The database is currently disseminated in PDF format with plans for periodic updates and a future machine-readable version.

Significance. If the compilation proves exhaustive and free of transcription or selection errors, the database would offer a practical, centralized resource for the nuclear-structure and decay community, facilitating quick lookup of evaluated p/α data across the chart of nuclides. The Tz-based organization and inclusion of references and graphics are user-friendly features, and the stated intent to maintain and expand the resource is a positive step toward open data practices.

major comments (2)
  1. The central claim that the database contains 'all known' β⁺-delayed and direct heavy-particle data rests on an exhaustive literature search and rigorous evaluation, yet the manuscript provides no description of the sources consulted, search protocols, criteria for resolving discrepant measurements, or cross-checks against ENSDF/NSR. This omission is load-bearing because completeness and accuracy cannot be assessed without these details.
  2. [Abstract] Abstract: the assertion that the database covers 'all nuclei where such decays are energetically possible' is not accompanied by any statement of how the energetic thresholds were calculated or verified, nor by an explicit list of the nuclei included or excluded.
minor comments (1)
  1. The current PDF-only dissemination format limits machine readability and programmatic use; a brief description of the planned machine-readable schema (e.g., JSON keys for branching ratios, Q-values, and state assignments) would improve the manuscript.

Simulated Author's Rebuttal

2 responses · 0 unresolved

We thank the referee for their careful review and positive assessment of the potential utility of the BEαpR database. We address each major comment below and have revised the manuscript accordingly to improve transparency regarding our compilation methods.

read point-by-point responses

  1. Referee: The central claim that the database contains 'all known' β⁺-delayed and direct heavy-particle data rests on an exhaustive literature search and rigorous evaluation, yet the manuscript provides no description of the sources consulted, search protocols, criteria for resolving discrepant measurements, or cross-checks against ENSDF/NSR. This omission is load-bearing because completeness and accuracy cannot be assessed without these details.

    Authors: We agree that documenting the evaluation process is necessary to support claims of completeness. In the revised manuscript we will insert a new subsection describing the primary sources consulted (ENSDF, NSR, and selected experimental literature), the search protocols employed, the criteria used to resolve discrepant measurements, and the cross-checks performed against ENSDF/NSR. This addition will allow readers to assess the reliability of the compilation. revision: yes

  2. Referee: [Abstract] Abstract: the assertion that the database covers 'all nuclei where such decays are energetically possible' is not accompanied by any statement of how the energetic thresholds were calculated or verified, nor by an explicit list of the nuclei included or excluded.

    Authors: We acknowledge the need for clarification. The energetic thresholds are based on Q-value calculations using the Atomic Mass Evaluation (AME2020). We will update the abstract and main text to state this explicitly and will note that the database includes all nuclei from Li to Og for which the relevant decays are energetically allowed (Q > 0), with the full lists provided in the Tz-organized PDF compilations. Nuclei with negative Q-values are excluded by construction. revision: yes

Circularity Check

0 steps flagged

No circularity: pure compilation with no derivations or predictions

full rationale

The manuscript is a database compilation of experimental literature values for β+-delayed and direct heavy-particle decays, organized by Tz with tabulated branching ratios, half-lives, Q-values, and transition data. No derivation chain, first-principles calculation, fitted model, or predictive claim exists in the abstract or described content. The central claim reduces only to the assertion that external data have been collected and formatted; this is not equivalent to its inputs by construction, nor does it rely on self-citation load-bearing steps, uniqueness theorems, or ansatzes. The absence of any mathematical or modeling steps makes circularity analysis inapplicable, yielding a score of zero.

Axiom & Free-Parameter Ledger

0 free parameters · 0 axioms · 0 invented entities

This is a data compilation with no mathematical derivations, free parameters, or new physical entities postulated. All content rests on external experimental measurements cited in the database entries.

pith-pipeline@v0.9.0 · 5785 in / 1069 out tokens · 35656 ms · 2026-05-20T02:50:19.226876+00:00 · methodology

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Lean theorems connected to this paper

Citations machine-checked in the Pith Canon. Every link opens the source theorem in the public Lean library.

  • IndisputableMonolith/Foundation/RealityFromDistinction.lean reality_from_one_distinction unclear
    ?
    unclear

    Relation between the paper passage and the cited Recognition theorem.

    We have developed the new Berkeley Evaluated Alpha and proton Radioactivity (BEαpR) database detailing information on all known β+-delayed and direct heavy-particle emitters (p, α, cluster, fission). The compiled data encompasses branching ratios, half lives, and all relevant Q-values and particle-separation energies.

  • IndisputableMonolith/Cost/FunctionalEquation.lean washburn_uniqueness_aczel unclear
    ?
    unclear

    Relation between the paper passage and the cited Recognition theorem.

    The compiled nuclides are organized by their isospin projection (Tz) and split into even and odd Z datasets. Complete compilations of the database from Tz = −4 to Tz = +31 are included.

What do these tags mean?
matches
The paper's claim is directly supported by a theorem in the formal canon.
supports
The theorem supports part of the paper's argument, but the paper may add assumptions or extra steps.
extends
The paper goes beyond the formal theorem; the theorem is a base layer rather than the whole result.
uses
The paper appears to rely on the theorem as machinery.
contradicts
The paper's claim conflicts with a theorem or certificate in the canon.
unclear
Pith found a possible connection, but the passage is too broad, indirect, or ambiguous to say the theorem truly supports the claim.

Reference graph

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