A high resolution study of the breakup of ${}_{}{}^{16}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{O}$ and ${}_{}{}^{20}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{Ne}$ has been made at 9 MeV per nucleon. The experimental configuration preferentially detects sequential breakup events. The dominant source of $\alpha$-${}_{}{}^{12}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{C}$ and $\alpha$-${}_{}{}^{16}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{C}$ coincidence events is the decay of excited states in ${}_{}{}^{16}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{O}$ and ${}_{}{}^{20}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{Ne}$, respectively. The experimental technique and the reaction mechanism leading to sequential breakup are discussed.

• Received 21 March 1984

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.30.158