Is a global coupled-channel dispersive optical model potential for actinides feasible?

Abstract

An isospin-dependent coupled-channel optical model potential containing a dispersive term with a nonlocal contribution is used to simultaneously fit the available experimental database (including strength functions and scattering radius) for neutron and proton scattering on strongly deformed 238U and232Th nuclei. The energy range 0.001–200 MeV is covered. A dispersive coupled-channel optical model (DCCOM) potential with parameters that show a smooth energy dependence and energy-independent geometry are determined from fits to the entire data set. Calculations using the obtained DCCOM potential reproduce measured total cross-section differences between 232Th and 238 U within experimental uncertainty. The isovector terms and the observed very weak dependence of the geometrical parameters on mass number A allow us to extend the derived potential parameters to neighboring actinide nuclei with great confidence.