Description of alpha clustering including continuum configurations

Alpha clustering is analyzed within a shell-model-like Berggren representation which includes the bound and outgoing single-particle resonant states of a realistic Woods-Saxon potential. It is found that the clustering of the alpha particle in ${}_{}{}^{212}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{Po}$, leading to α decay, can be described even for distances which are well beyond the surface of the daughter nucleus.