Exploring the clustering effects in lighter and heavier cluster decay of neutron-deficient and neutron-rich Pu isotopes

Cluster radioactivity provides a sensitive probe of nuclear structure, shell effects, and deformation in heavy nuclei. In this work, cluster decay in the plutonium isotopic chain ²²⁰⁻²⁴⁴Pu is investigated within the Preformed Cluster-decay Model (PCM), using the Proximity 1988 interaction. Spherical and quadrupole-deformed configurations are considered to examine the influence of nuclear shape on the fragmentation potential, cluster preformation probability, barrier penetrability, and decay half-life. The calculated results are compared with available experimental data wherever possible. The calculations reveal systematic variations in cluster-decay properties across the isotopic chain, with deformation modifying the interaction barrier and the resulting decay probabilities. The role of shell structure is also examined through its influence on the fragmentation potential and the properties of the daughter nuclei. Energetically allowed cluster-emission channels, including emissions extending to Fe isotopes, are identified within the adopted model. The results for channels without experimental information are theoretical predictions that may guide future investigations of cluster radioactivity in plutonium isotopes.