Experimental data and nuclear modeling of proton elastic cross-section in Li-6

The elastic scattering of protons by light nuclei is essential for nuclear reaction modeling and applications in nuclear astrophysics, fusion research, and radiation shielding. Lithium-6 (Li-6) plays a critical role in various nuclear processes, particularly in the production of tritium in fusion reactors and as a neutron absorber in nuclear technology. Additionally, precise cross-section data for Li-6 are relevant for lithium-ion battery research.

However, while extensive cross-section data exist for lithium-7 (Li-7), data for Li-6 remain scarce in certain energy ranges, requiring experimental validation to refine nuclear models. In this work, we present new measurements of the proton elastic cross-section on Li-6 at different incident energies. The primary motivation for this study is to improve nuclear reaction databases for applications in ion beam analysis of materials, particularly in the characterization of lithium-containing materials.

The experiments were conducted at the LAMFI-USP accelerator laboratory, employing a proton beam incident on an isotopically enriched Li-6 target under controlled conditions. The scattered protons were detected using two silicon detectors positioned at 170 and 120 degrees scattering angles. The beam energy, target thickness, and detector efficiency were meticulously accounted for to minimize systematic uncertainties. The measured differential cross-sections were compared with the scarce data available in IBANDL, and with theoretical calculations using optical potential models and R-matrix formalism as calculated by AZURE2 code. Our results indicate deviations from previously reported evaluations at specific energy intervals, suggesting the need for refined nuclear interaction potentials. These findings contribute to improving reaction models used in nuclear physics applications, and highlight the importance of combining new experimental measurements with R-matrix modeling in order to build more complete and reliable nuclear databases, with relevance for both fundamental nuclear reaction studies and technological applications.