Alpha decay as a test of the elastic channel wavefunction

Abstract

The author considers three possible models of the elastic nucleus-nucleus channel. The nuclei are described by their undisturbed densities (first model) or by their undisturbed wavefunctions (second model). The third model uses the adiabatic description. The result of an alpha-decay calculation uniquely qualifies the second model as the best one. This conclusion is valid for energies of relative motion which are a few MeV per nucleon or higher when the nuclei are in contact. The physics of alpha decay is also discussed in connection with these models.