Quantum design using a multiple internal reflections method in a study of fusion processes in the capture of alpha-particles by nuclei

TL;DR

This paper introduces a high-precision method based on multiple internal reflections to determine fusion probabilities in alpha-particle capture, providing new parametrizations and significantly reducing errors in modeling experimental data.

Contribution

The study develops a novel approach for calculating fusion probabilities and parameters, improving accuracy and offering new insights into nuclear shape effects near magic numbers.

Findings

New parametrization of alpha-nucleus potential

Fusion probabilities decreased errors by over 30-fold

Predicted cross-section for alpha + 46Ca for future tests

Abstract

A high precision method to determine fusion in the capture of $\alpha$-particles by nuclei is presented. For $\alpha$-capture by $^{40}{\rm Ca}$ and $^{44}{\rm Ca}$, such an approach gives (1) the parameters of the $\alpha$--nucleus potential and (2) fusion probabilities. This method found new parametrization and fusion probabilities and decreased the error by $41.72$ times for $\alpha + ^{40}{\rm Ca}$ and $34.06$ times for $\alpha + ^{44}{\rm Ca}$ in a description of experimental data in comparison with existing results. We show that the sharp angular momentum cutoff proposed by Glas and Mosel is a rough approximation, Wong's formula and the Hill-Wheeler approach determine the penetrability of the barrier without a correct consideration of the barrier shape, and the WKB approach gives reduced fusion probabilities. Based on our fusion probability formula, we explain the difference between experimental cross-sections for $\alpha + ^{40}{\rm Ca}$ and $\alpha + ^{44}{\rm Ca}$, which is connected with the theory of coexistence of the spherical and deformed shapes in the ground state for nuclei near the neutron magic shell $N=20$. To provide deeper insight into the physics of nuclei with the new magic number $N=26$, the cross-section for $\alpha + ^{46}{\rm Ca}$ is predicted for future experimental tests. The role of nuclear deformations in calculations of the fusion probabilities is analyzed.