Thick-target backscattering technique to measure α-particle elastic scattering cross sections

Abstract

We present a novel method to measure excitation functions and angular distributions in α-particle scattering. The method is based on the well-known principle of backscattering from a thick target. It allows measuring the desired energy range in fairly large laboratory-energy steps, and it records the excitation function continuously in energy. Some examples from α + 28Si elastic and α + 24Mg elastic and inelastic scattering are given to illustrate the method. It is well-suited for detailed measurements of excitation functions for α-particle energies around 20–30 MeV, where so far most measurements have been made in fairly large energy steps.