Complex microscopic optical potential between two nuclei based on Dirac-Brueckner theory for nuclear matter

Abstract

The real and imaginary parts of the optical-model potential between two nuclei are calculated in the energy density formalism. The energy density is derived from the Dirac-Brueckner approach to nuclear matter. In this approach, both free NN scattering and the saturation properties of nuclear matter can be explained starting from a realistic NN interaction. The relativistic features incorporated in the Dirac-Brueckner approach make the real part of the optical potential less attractive than that obtained in a non-relativistic calculation while the imaginary part is enhanced. The comparison of the calculated differential cross section for elastic 12C- 12C scattering with the experimental data suggests that the enhancement of the imaginary part due to the relativistic treatment is favourable while its repulsive contribution to the real part is unfavourable.