Export citation

Export citation

Choose format for download:

Download Citation

    Bayesian uncertainty quantification of α-decay half-lives

    Jizheng Bo*

    • *Contact author: bojzh22@tongji.edu.cn

    Phys. Rev. C 113, 064303 – Published 2 June, 2026

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/8h93-j8y7

    Abstract

    A Bayesian uncertainty quantification analysis of α-decay half-life calculations using both the distorted wave Born approximation (DWBA) and Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin (WKB) methods has been involved in this work. Taking N=127 isotones as the examples, I employ Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling to explore the posterior distributions of potential parameters and the spectroscopic factor. This analysis shed light on fundamental differences in the properties of models: DWBA exhibits stronger parameter correlations and multimodal posteriors, reflecting its sensitivity to quantum mechanical constraints, while WKB shows more stable unimodal distributions. Both models achieve comparable accuracy in reproducing experimental half-lives. However, DWBA yields systematically wider 95% credible intervals, providing more conservative uncertainty estimates that reflect the challenges of enforcing strict quantum conditions, whereas WKB produces tighter intervals due to its lower parameter sensitivity. The Bayesian framework thus offers quantitative criteria for model selection based on the degree of alignment between model complexity and the underlying physical scale. This work provides new insights into uncertainty quantification of α-decay models and establishes a quantitative criterion based on the alignment between a model's effective degrees of freedom and the physical scale of the probed system. These findings offer practical guidance for future theoretical studies of superheavy nuclei.

    Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

    Authorization Required

    We need you to provide your credentials before accessing this content.

    References (Subscription Required)

    Outline

    Information

    Sign In to Your Journals Account

    Filter

    Filter

    Article Lookup

    Enter a citation