Probing α-particle wave functions using (d→,α) reactions

Wave functions of the a particle corresponding to different S- and D-state deuteron-deuteron overlaps, [dd\alpha], were investigated using exact finite-range distorted-wave Born-approximation (DWBA) analyses of (d over arrow pointing right, alpha) reactions. Cross sections, vector, and tensor-analyzing powers were measured for (d over arrow pointing right, alpha) reactions populating the lowest J(pi) = 7+ state in Co-56 at bombarding energies Ed of 16 and 22 MeV, the lowest 7+ state in Sc-48 at E(d) = 16 MeV, and the lowest 7+ state in Sc-46 at Ed = 22 MeV. We find that DWBA analyses of tensor-analyzing powers produce satisfactory agreement with the data and that A(xx) is especially sensitive to the D-state component of a-particle wave functions generated by different realistic nucleon-nucleon interactions.