Various mechanisms for double capture from helium targets by alpha particles

Within the two-channel distorted wave second-order perturbative theoretical formalism, we study capture of both electrons from helium-like targets by heavy nuclei as projectiles at intermediate and high impact energies. The emphasis is on the four-body single-double scattering (SDS-4B) method and the three-body continuum distorted wave impact parameter method (CDW-3B-IPM). The SDS-4B method deals with the full quantum-mechanical correlative dynamics of all the four interactively participating particles (two electrons, two nuclei). The CDW-3B-IPM is a semi-classical three-body independent particle model (one electron, two nuclei), using a combinatorial calculus to describe double capture by a product of two uncorrelated probabilities, integrated over impact parameters. Both theories share a common feature in having altogether two electronic full Coulomb continuum wave functions. One such function is centered on the projectile nucleus in the entrance channel, whereas the other is centered on the target nucleus in the exit channel. These two methods satisfy the correct initial and final Coulomb boundary conditions in the asymptotic region of scattering, at infinitely large inter-particle separations. Yet, it is presently demonstrated that most of the available experimental data on total cross sections for the double capture from helium by alpha particles distinctly favor the SDS-4B method. This is especially true at intermediate energies. Such energies are critically important in versatile applications under the general umbrella of ion transport in matter, including thermonuclear fusion (plasma physics) and ion therapy (medicine).

Quantum-mechanical four-body versus semi-classical three-body theories for double charge exchange in collisions of fast alpha particles with helium targets

Belkić

2023

Cross section sensitivity to perturbation strengths in distorted waves for double electron capture by alpha particles from helium targets

Belkić

2024

Computer experiments are performed on total cross sections for capture of both electrons from helium targets at 100-10000 keV. Employed are four quantum-mechanical perturbative four-body distorted wave methods (one of the first and three of the second order). The goal is to determine the cross section sensitivity to the perturbation strengths in distorted waves from the second-order methods. The perturbation strength is parametrized by the Sommerfeld factor (the quotient of the nuclear charge and the relative velocity of the colliding particles). At each fixed impact energy, the sought sensitivity is monitored by gradually modifying the nuclear charges in the Sommerfeld factors. These factors reside in the Coulomb distortions of the unperturbed channels states. The focus is on the electronic distortions through the eikonal Coulomb logarithmic phases and the full Coulomb waves. The logarithmic phases are the constituents of the compound phases for the net charges of the two heavy scattering aggregates in relative motions. A striking perturbation strength sensitivity of the obtained total cross sections is recorded.

Interference effects in differential cross sections for two-electron transfer

Belkić

2024

Differential cross sections for simultaneous capture of both electrons by alpha particles from helium targets are computed. Employed are several quantum-mechanical distorted wave four-body methods of first- and second-orders. The main focus is on the cross section sensitivity as a function of different perturbation interactions and scattering states. Two aspects are considered. One is for theories with the same perturbation interactions and different scattering states. The other is for theories with the same scattering states and different perturbation interactions. In this context, the interference effect on two levels is examined. One compares the yields from the internuclear potential and the interactions between nuclei and two electrons. The other contrasts the contributions from the channel states with and without the distorted waves generated by the relative motions of nuclei. Depending on the employed theory, differential cross sections can be strongly or mildly influenced by the variability in all the mentioned frameworks. The salient illustrations are reported at intermediate energies 180-900 keV for which the experimental data are available. It is found that the second-order theories are in much better agreement with the measured cross sections than the first-order theories.