Alpha induced reactions for ¹⁰⁶Cd at near Coulomb barrier energies

Abstract
Alpha induced nuclear reactions at near Coulomb barrier energies are of current interest in astrophysics from the point of view of p-process in medium mass nuclides. Recently, (α,γ), (α,p) and (α,n) reaction cross sections for ¹⁰⁶Cd have been measured in the Gamow window energy range of alpha particles from 8 to 12 MeV. The data have been analyzed with the statistical model code NON-SMOKER using different input parameters. Using McFadden-Satchler alpha potential, the calculated (α,n) cross sections are consistent with the measured data. While the (α,p) cross sections are under-predicted by the theory, the (α,γ) cross sections are over-predicted in the whole range of alpha energy. Using a hybrid of microscopic and phenomenological approaches, we have recently given a prescription of obtaining α-nucleus optical potential usable for the energy range from Coulomb barrier to 140 MeV and valid for a range of nuclides with A ~12 to 209. Using the α optical potential parameters derived from this prescription, comprehensive and systematic calculations have been performed to determine the (α,γ), (α,p) and (α,n) reaction cross sections for ¹⁰⁶Cd in the α energy range from 8 to 12 MeV employing the most recent and versatile statistical model code EMPIRE-II. The IAEA recommended Koning potentials have been used for neutrons and protons in the outgoing channels. Using this prescription we have been able to obtain better agreement of the measured cross section data of ¹⁰⁶Cd throughout the energy range.