Analysis of uncertainties in alpha-particle optical-potential assessment below the Coulomb barrier

TL;DR

This paper evaluates the uncertainties in alpha-particle optical potentials below the Coulomb barrier by analyzing recent reaction data and gamma-ray strength functions, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive statistical-model parameters.

Contribution

It demonstrates that a previously proposed optical potential can consistently describe recent reaction data without empirical rescaling, highlighting the role of statistical-model parameters.

Findings

The optical potential accurately reproduces recent alpha-induced reaction data.

No empirical rescaling of nucleon widths is necessary.

Inclusion of gamma-ray strength functions improves model reliability.

Abstract

Background: Recent high-precision measurements of alpha-induced reaction data below the Coulomb barrier have pointed out questions of the alpha-particle optical-model potential (OMP) which are yet open within various mass ranges. Purpose: The applicability of a previous optical potential and eventual uncertainties and/or systematic errors of the OMP assessment at low energies can be further considered on this basis. Method: Nuclear model parameters based on the analysis of recent independent data, particularly gamma-ray strength functions, have been involved within statistical model calculation of the (alpha,x) reaction cross sections. Results: The above-mentioned potential provides a consistent description of the recent alpha-induced reaction data with no empirical rescaling factors of the and/or nucleon widths. Conclusions: A suitable assessment of alpha-particle optical potential below the Coulomb barrier should involve the statistical-model parameters beyond this potential on the basis of a former analysis of independent data.