Internal ionization during alpha decay: A new theoretical approach

A new theoretical treatment of the problem of orbital-electron ejection during α decay is described. The internal-ionization probability appears as the special zero-impact-parameter trajectory in a generalized impact-parameter formulation of the binary-encounter approximation described recently by the author. The probability of internal ionization during {α} decay of ²¹⁰Po is calculated for the $1s$, $2s$, $2p$, $3s$, $3p$, and $3d$ subshells in the daughter Pb atom. Markedly improved agreement with experimental results is found.