I wrote: If an alpha is born from a [dd]* resonance in which the mass energy is > fractionated among a large number of sinks (e.g., nearby electrons and ion > cores), the 4He daughter would have no or almost no energy. >
This was stated incorrectly. To the extent that there is binding between the [dd]* state and one or more nearby ion cores, I assume the daughter 4He would be imparted kinetic energy in corresponding measure. So if this system is anywhere near what is really going on, we have a parameter that we can play with and adjust to match the actual kinetic energies that are seen (not very much). The more there is interaction with the electronic structure, and the less there is interaction with the ion cores, the less kinetic energy imparted to the daughter 4He. Eric
