Search

We propose an extension of the continuum discretized coupled channels (CDCC) method, where the projectile is described by a microscopic cluster model. This microscopic generalization (MCDCC) relies only on nucleon-target interactions, and therefore presents an important predictive power. Core excitations can be included without any further parameter. As an example, we investigate the 7Li+208Pb elastic scattering at Elab=27 and 35 MeV. The 7Li nucleus is known to present an α+t cluster structure, and is well described by the resonating group method. An excellent agreement is obtained for the 7Li+208Pb elastic cross sections, provided that breakup channels are properly included. We also present an application to inelastic scattering and discuss future applications of the MCDCC.

The (2)H(d,p)(3)H, (2)H(d,n)(3)He, and (2)H(d,γ)(4)He reactions are studied at low energies in a multichannel ab initio model that takes into account the distortions of the nuclei. The internal wave functions of these nuclei are given by the stochastic variational method with the AV8' realistic interaction and a phenomenological three-body force included to reproduce the two-body thresholds. The obtained astrophysical S factors are all in very good agreement with the experiment. The most important channels for both transfer and radiative capture are identified by comparing to calculations with an effective central force. They are all found to dominate thanks to the tensor force.

The low-energy reaction 14C(n,gamma)15C provides a rare opportunity to test indirect methods for the determination of neutron capture cross sections by radioactive isotopes versus direct measurements. It is also important for various astrophysical scenarios. Currently, puzzling disagreements exist between the 14C(n,gamma)15C cross sections measured directly, determined indirectly, and calculated theoretically. To solve this puzzle, we offer a strong test based on a novel idea that the amplitudes for the virtual 15C-->14C + n and the real 15F -->14O + p decays are related. Our study of this relation, performed in a microscopic model, shows that existing direct and some indirect measurements strongly contradict charge symmetry in the 15C and 15F mirror pair. This brings into question the experimental determinations of the astrophysically important (n,gamma) cross sections for short-lived radioactive targets.

Radiative capture of protons is investigated as a probe of clustering in nuclei far from stability. The first such measurement on a halo nucleus is reported here for the reaction 6He(p,gamma) at 40 MeV. Capture into 7Li is observed as the strongest channel. In addition, events have been recorded that may be described by quasifree capture on a halo neutron, the alpha core, and 5He. The possibility of describing such events by capture into the continuum of 7Li is also discussed.

Photons originating from coherent bremsstrahlung have been measured over a large dynamic range for the reaction of 200 MeV alpha particles with protons. At low photon energies the bremsstrahlung spectrum exhibits the classical behavior with an approximate 1/E(gamma) shape. At higher photon energies there is a pronounced contribution from capture into the unbound ground state and first excited state of 5Li. These results allow one, for the first time, to test theoretical models for a consistent description of bremsstrahlung and radiative capture in a complex system. Calculations predict both features qualitatively but fail to account for their relative importance.