The existence of linear-chain configurations in light nuclei has been predicted for decades, but the finding of the exact location on the nuclear chart where this exotic structure emerges has proven to be challenging experimentally. Here, the authors performed an inelastic excitation and cluster-decay experiment followed by unambiguous spin-parity analyses and provide evidence for the emergence of the nuclear chain structure starting from 14C.
- Jiaxing Han
- Yanlin Ye
- Ziming Li
