The Elastic and Inelastic Scattering of Protons by58Ni

Absolute differential cross sections are given for the elastic scattering by 58 Ni of 9.53 MeV, 9.12 MeV, 8.80 MeV, 8.34 MeV and 7.83 MeV protons for an angular range of 15° - 156° (centre-of-mass coordinates). The angular distributions show characteristic maxima and minima, the patterns varying slowly with energy as might be expected on the basis of the optical model. The results are in good agreement with earlier measurements on natural Ni except at backward angles, where higher cross sections are obtained with 58 Ni. This is attributed to differing compound elastic contributions from the various Ni isotopes. Absolute differential cross sections are also given for the inelastic scattering of protons at these five energies from the 1.45 MeV level of 58 Ni. All the inelastic angular distributions show a forward peaking characteristic of a direct interaction mechanism. It is probable that a distorted wave treatment will be necessary to fit these results.