Elastic scattering measurements for the $^{10}$C + $^{208}$Pb system at E$_{\rm lab}$ = 66 MeV

TL;DR

This study measures elastic scattering of $^{10}$C on $^{208}$Pb at 66 MeV to explore how $^{10}$C's cluster structure influences scattering, comparing results with advanced coupled-channels calculations and highlighting the need for more complex models.

Contribution

It provides experimental elastic scattering data for $^{10}$C + $^{208}$Pb at near-barrier energies and compares it with three- and four-body theoretical models, advancing understanding of $^{10}$C's cluster effects.

Findings

Fresnel peak suppression observed and reproduced by models

Models underestimate backward angle cross sections

Couplings to continuum states have limited impact

Abstract

Background: The influence of halo structure of $^6$He, $^8$B, $^{11}$Be and $^{11}$Li nuclei in several mechanisms such as direct reactions and fusion is already established, although not completely understood. The influence of the $^{10}$C Brunnian structure is less known. Purpose: To investigate the influence of the cluster configuration of $^{10}$C on the elastic scattering at an energy close to the Coulomb barrier. Methods: We present experimental data for the elastic scattering of the $^{10}$C+$^{208}$Pb system at $E_{\rm lab}$ = 66 MeV. The data are compared to the three- and the four-body continuum-discretized coupled-channels calculations assuming $^9$B+$p$, $^6$Be+$\alpha$ and $^8$Be+$p$+$p$ configurations. Results: The experimental angular distribution of the cross sections shows the suppression of the Fresnel peak that is reasonably well reproduced by the continuum-discretized coupled-channels calculations. However, the calculations underestimate the cross sections at backward angles. Couplings to continuum states represent a small effect. Conclusions: The cluster configurations of $^{10}$C assumed in the present work are able to describe some of the features of the data. In order to explain the data at backward angles, experimental data for the breakup and an extension of theoretical formalism towards a four-body cluster seem to be in need to reproduce the measured angular distribution.