Optical model analysis of alpha particle scattering

The angular distributions of differential cross sections for $$\alpha$$ + $$^{36}$$ Ar elastic and inelastic scattering at $$E_{\text {lab}}$$ = 40, 48, and 54 MeV have been examined in terms of the current theoretical approaches. Therefore, the elastic scattering data have been obtained by using three different theoretical approaches, namely the single-folding cluster model, the double-folding model with CDM3Y6 effective interaction, and the phenomenological Woods–Saxon model. The inelastic scattering data have been obtained from coupled-channel calculations with the fitted parameters for elastic scattering. Both elastic and inelastic results have provided a successful description of the experimental data. Finally, the deformation lengths obtained from coupled-channel calculations are found to be consistent with the values determined from electromagnetic measurements and those reported in the previous studies. Also, the potential parameters, cross sections, volume integrals, and $$\chi ^{2}$$ values have been given for each theoretical approach.