Time-dependent analysis of the breakup of halo nuclei

Abstract

The breakup of halo nuclei is studied by numerically solving the semiclassical time-dependent Schr\"odinger equation on an angular Lagrange mesh and on a quasiuniform radial mesh. The merits of different mesh choices and approximations of the time evolution operator are discussed. The numerical technique is applied to the breakup of the ${}^{11}\mathrm{Be}$ and ${}^{15}\mathrm{C}$ halo nuclei at energies around 70 MeV/nucleon. The time evolution of the projectile wave packet during the breakup process is visualized. The role of the nuclear interaction between target and projectile is analyzed and the validity of pure Coulomb breakup with an impact parameter cutoff is estimated. The breakup and inelastic cross sections are discussed and compared with available experimental data.