Differential range study of the 65Cu(α, α n) reaction at intermediate energies

Abstract

The differential ranges of the recoil product of the 65Cu(α, α n) reaction have been measured over the energy interval of 24–42 MeV by means of the electrostatic collection technique. The results are compared with a Monte Carlo calculation based on the statistical theory and the use of a range-energy relation due to Lindhard, Scharff and Schiøtt as well as with a simple direct interaction model. The differential ranges at low bombarding energies are found to be consistent with a compound nuclear process. The ranges at the higher energies are smaller than the calculated values, indicating that a direct interaction mechanism is involved at energies above 35 MeV.