Optical-model analysis of elastic scattering of 3He particles by 12C in the range 3.7–15.0 MeV

Abstract

Elastic scattering data of 3He particle on 12C at ten energies between 3.7 and 15.0 MeV are analysed in terms of the optical model. Excellent fits to the measured differential cross sections have been obtained using either a five-parameter potential with surface absorption or a four-parameter potential with volume absorption whose real and imaginary parts have the same radius and diffuseness. The present analysis shows that the optical model gives a good description for the elastic scattering of 3He particles from such a light nucleus as 12C at the energy range studied, although physical meaning is less clear due to resonance effects. A systematic study of the variation of parameters with energy is carried out. As expected in the light nuclei, it is found difficult to establish a smooth systematic variation of arameters with energy due to resonance effects. Some features of their behaviour as a function of energy remains to be explained. However, some general trends are found. Inclusion of the spin-orbit potential improved the fits considerably in most cases analysed. Effects of both the volume and surface absorption on the differential cross sections are studied.