Application of multiple scattering theory to lower-energy elastic nucleon-nucleus scattering

Abstract

The optical model potentials for nucleon-nucleus elastic scattering at 65 meV are calculated for $^{12}\mathrm{C}$, $^{16}\mathrm{O}$, $^{28}\mathrm{Si}$, $^{40}\mathrm{Ca}$, $^{56}\mathrm{Fe}$, $^{90}\mathrm{Zr}$, and $^{208}\mathrm{Pb}$ in first-order multiple scattering theory, following the prescription of the spectator expansion, where the only inputs are the free nucleon-nucleon (NN) potentials, the nuclear densities, and the nuclear mean field as derived from microscopic nuclear structure calculations. These potentials are used to predict differential cross sections, analyzing powers, and spin rotation functions for neutron and proton scattering at 65 MeV projectile energy and compared with available experimental data. The theoretical curves are in very good agreement with the data. The modification of the propagator due to the coupling of the struck nucleon to the residual nucleus is seen to be significant at this energy and invariably improves the congruence of theoretical prediction and measurement.