A Search for Protons from Li Bombarded by Ra C′α-Particles

A new search has been made for protons emitted from Li under bombardment by α-particles from Ra C{'}. The apparatus was designed to detect protons emitted between 50^∘{} and 120^∘{}. Protons were detected from the Li targets, but arguments are given supporting the idea that most, if not all of them arise from nitrogen contamination. Upper limits for the cross sections are computed for the two Li isotopes. A discussion is given of the relation of the emission of protons from Li⁶ by α-particle bombardment, and of the reverse reaction, the emission of α-particles from Be⁹ under proton bombardment which is known to be very prolific at low proton energies.