The image transition in finite nuclei Original Research Article

We perform a direct finite nucleus calculation of the partial width of a bound Δ isobar decaying through the non-mesonic decay mode, ΔN→NN. This transition is modeled by the exchange of the long ranged π meson and the shorter ranged ρ meson. The contribution of this decay channel is found to be approximately 60% of the decay width of the Δ particle in free space. Considering the additional pionic decay mode, we conclude that the total decay width of a bound Δ resonance in nuclei is of the order of 100 MeV and, consequently, no narrow Δ nuclear states exist, contrary to recent claims in the literature. Our results are in complete agreement with microscopic many-body calculations and phenomenological approaches performed in nuclear matter.