Probing the cluster structure of ⁶ Li with the ⁶ Li + ¹² C nuclear reaction at 68 MeV*

Abstract This study presents a combined experimental and theoretical investigation of the 6 Li + 12 C nuclear reaction at a laboratory energy of 68 MeV. The reaction products are identified via the standard – E technique. Angular distributions are constructed for the elastic, inelastic, and deuteron transfer channels by detecting emitted particles – 6 Li and α . Elastic and inelastic scattering of 6 Li off 12 C are analyzed using the optical model and coupled channels approaches, with the interaction described by a double-folding potential. This potential is calculated based on the three-body wave function of 6 Li. Pronounced coupled-channel effects that modify the potential and allow accurate reproduction of the experimental cross sections are observed. The resulting polarized potentials provide a more precise description of the initial-state interaction for further reaction modeling. The deuteron transfer channel, 12 C( 6 Li, α ) 14 N, is studied using the coupled reaction channels method. The coupling between the transfer and elastic channels is implemented using the three-body wave function of 6 Li. As an alternative, a regular wave function constructed with a phenomenological Woods–Saxon potential is also employed. Comparison between the calculated differential cross sections and experimental data reveals a more complex and nuanced reaction mechanism, which supports the cluster structure of 6 Li.