Alpha-cluster description of excitation energies inC12(12C,3α)Xat 2.1AGeV

Abstract

An α-cluster expansion of the Glauber multiple scattering series is used to calculate the energy transfer spectrum to the ${}_{}{}^{12}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{C}$ projectile in the ${}_{}{}^{12}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{C}$ ${(}^{12}$C,3α)X reaction at 2.1A Gev. Cluster-abrasion response functions are defined in terms of α-cluster wave function and the collision dynamics appropriate for heavy-ion reactions. Comparisons are made to recent quasiexclusive experimental data with good agreement found. Calculations indicate that substructures in a ${}_{}{}^{12}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{C}$ projectile are likely to be true spectators in fragmentation, however, with virtual states of excitation in the projectile ground state making a significant contribution to the fragmentation cross section.