Probing the isoscalar excitations of 12C with inelastic alpha scattering

TL;DR

This study uses microscopic folding models and alpha scattering to investigate isoscalar excitations in carbon-12, revealing correlations between state properties and scattering absorption.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed microscopic analysis of inelastic alpha scattering on 12C using 3-alpha resonating group wave functions, providing new insights into nuclear excitations.

Findings

Correlation between weak binding and absorption in inelastic scattering

Accurate transition strengths for multiple excited states in 12C

Enhanced understanding of isoscalar excitation mechanisms

Abstract

The robust (spin and isospin zero) $\alpha$-particle remains one of the best projectiles to probe the nuclear isoscalar excitations. In the present work, a microscopic folding model analysis of the \ac inelastic scattering to the 2$^+$ (4.44 MeV), 0$^+$ (7.65 MeV), 3$^-$ (9.64 MeV), 0$^+$ (10.3 MeV) and 1$^-$ (10.84 MeV) states in $^{12}$C has been performed using the 3-$\alpha$ resonating group method wave functions. The isoscalar transition strengths of these states were carefully studied based on the coupled-channel analysis using the microscopic folded form factors. A correlation between the weak binding and/or short lifetime of the excited state and absorption in the exit channel of inelastic scattering has been established.