Simulation of optical model parameters with reduced model deficiency by D-optimal criterion

Abstract

The nucleon optical model is widely used to calculate the elastic scattering cross-sections and polarizations. The only requirement, in using the optical model for a reliable prediction of the nuclear data is the unique set of optical model parameters (OMP). The uncertainties in the OMP lead to uncertainties in calculated cross-sections and thus the deficiency in the model itself. To our knowledge, there is no technique, to estimate the limits of variation of OMP to establish good fits with consequent reduction of optical model deficiency between these limits. In this paper, we propose D-optimal criterion and the technique of Determinant Inequalities developed by us to simulate OMP with reduced optical model deficiency. Our technique enables one to simulate the limits of variation of the OMP with the existing covariance data. The simulation of these limits would aid to establish good fits among the OMP. Further, the variation in the range of deficiency in the optical model can be ascertained well in advance. We demonstrate the utility of our technique to the OMP of 239Pu.