Dispersive coupled-channel analysis of nucleon scattering from 232 Th up to 200 MeV

Abstract

An isospin-dependent coupled-channels optical model potential containing a dispersive term (including 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 232Th nucleus. The energy range 0.001–200 MeV is covered. A dispersive coupled-channel optical model potential with parameters that show a smooth energy dependence and energy independent geometry are determined from fits to the entire data set. Dispersive contribution is shown to be the dominant Coulomb correction to the proton real potential below the Coulomb barrier. Inclusion of nonlocality effects in the absorptive volume potential and its corresponding dispersive contribution to the real potential is needed to achieve an excellent agreement above 100 MeV.