The formation of $\alpha$ particles on nuclear surfaces has remained a fundamental problem since the dawn of nuclear physics. This $\alpha$-particle formation strongly affects the $\alpha$-decay lifetimes of heavy and superheavy elements, level scheme of light nuclei, and synthesis of elements in stars. However, despite its importance, the $\alpha$-particle formation in medium-mass nuclei is seldom investigated. Based on the ${}^{48}\mathrm{Ti}(p,p\alpha ){}^{44}\mathrm{Ca}$ reaction analysis, this study reports that $\alpha$-particle formation in the medium-mass ${}^{48}\mathrm{Ti}$ nucleus is pronounced more compared to that expected through mean-field approximations. Moreover, the estimated average distance between the $\alpha$ particle and residue equals approximately 4.5 fm. This result poses a challenge to describe the four nucleon correlations using microscopic nuclear models.

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• Direct reactions
• H & He induced nuclear reactions
• Nuclear reactions
• Nuclear structure & decays
• Nucleon distribution
• 39 ≤ A ≤ 58
• Optical, coupled-channel & distorted wave models