Elastic Scattering of $^6$He based on a Cluster Description

TL;DR

This paper models elastic scattering of helium-6 using a cluster approach with a helium core and neutrons, extending multiple scattering theory, and compares results with experimental data at various energies.

Contribution

It introduces a cluster-based optical potential and extends Watson's multiple scattering theory to better describe helium-6 scattering.

Findings

Calculated observables agree with experimental data at 71 MeV/nucleon.

Extended model provides insights into helium-6 internal structure.

Predictions made for higher energy scattering observables.

Abstract

Elastic scattering observables (differential cross section and analyzing power) are calculated for the reaction $^6$He(p,p)$^6$He at projectile energies starting at 71 MeV/nucleon. The optical potential needed to describe the reaction is derived describing $^6$He in terms of a $^4$He-core and two neutrons. The Watson first order multiple scattering ansatz is extended to accommodate the internal dynamics of a composite cluster model for the $^6$He nucleus scattering from a nucleon projectile. The calculations are compared with the recent experiments at the projectile energy of 71 MeV/nucleon. In addition, differential cross sections and analyzing powers are calculated at selected higher energies.