Elastic and inelastic scattering ofC12byC12fromEc.m.=35−63MeV

Differential cross sections for the elastic scattering, single excitation (Q = -4.43 MeV), and mutual excitation (Q = -8.86 MeV) of /sup 12/C by /sup 12/C have been measured at 14 bombarding energies in the range E/sub c.m./ = 35--63 MeV. The angular distributions extend typically from 16/sup 0/ to 90/sup 0/ c.m. The results have been analyzed with the optical model, the distorted-wave approximation, and the method of coupled equations. The optical model analysis of the elastic scattering reveals a sensitivity of the predicted cross sections at large angles to the strength and shape of the real part of the nuclear potential in the region 4 to 6 fm. The potentials predicted by the double-folding model fit the data remarkably well over the entire angular range, whereas the shallow potentials which we have explored generally fit the data only in the forward-angle region. The results thus indicate that the real potential for the /sup 12/C + /sup 12/C system is more attractive in the region of 4 to 6 fm than would have been expected on the basis of previous analyses of comparable systems at lower bombarding energies.