Some aspects of cluster radioactivity are discussed. In particular, aspects related to shell effects, as well as the importance of Q values, are addressed. A plot similar to the Geiger-Nuttal plot, which relates the half-lives of cluster emitters to Q values, is also presented. The question of why particular clusters and their associated daughter nuclei were experimentally observed is discussed and a possible answer is given.

• Received 23 January 1991

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.44.R594