Probing the cluster structure of $^6$Li with the nuclear reaction $^6$Li + $^{12}$C at 68 MeV

B. A. Urazbekov, E. K. Almanbetova, A. Azhibekov, B. S. Baimurzinova, K. Dyussebayeva, T. Issatayev, D. M. Janseitov, S. M. Lukyanov, Yu. E. Penionzhkevich, K. Mendibayev, T. K. Zholdybayev

Published: 2025/9/8

Abstract

This work presents a combined experimental and theoretical investigation of the nuclear reaction $^{6}$Li + $^{12}$C at a laboratory energy of 68 MeV. The reaction products are identified via the standard $\Delta$E-E technique. Angular distributions are constructed for the elastic, inelastic, and deuteron transfer channels by detecting emitted particles -- $^{6}$Li and $\alpha$. Elastic and inelastic scattering of $^{6}$Li on $^{12}$C are analyzed using both the Optical Model and Coupled channels approaches, with the interaction described by a double-folding potential. This potential is calculated based on the three-body wave function of $^{6}$Li. Pronounced coupled-channel effects are observed, which modify the potential and allow accurate reproduction of the experimental cross sections. The resulting polarized potentials provide a more precise description of the initial-state interaction for further reaction modelling. The deuteron transfer channel, $^{12}$C($^{6}$Li, $\alpha$)$^{14}$N, is studied using the Coupled Reaction Channels method. The coupling between the transfer and elastic channels is implemented using the three-body wave function of $^{6}$Li. As an alternative, a regular wave function constructed with a phenomenological Woods-Saxon potential is also employed. Comparison between the calculated differential cross sections and experimental data reveals a more complex and nuanced reaction mechanism, which supports the cluster structure of $^{6}$Li.

Probing the cluster structure of $^6$Li with the nuclear reaction $^6$Li + $^{12}$C at 68 MeV | SummarXiv | SummarXiv