Alpha-particle energy spectra from $d,\alpha$ reactions on ${\mathrm{C}}^{12}$, ${\mathrm{N}}^{14}$, and ${\mathrm{O}}^{16}$ have been obtained using 24-MeV deuterons. The development of a high-resolution semiconductor $\frac{\mathrm{EdE}}{\mathrm{dx}}$ counter telescope made possible the observation of alpha-particle groups arising from the formation of final states of higher excitation than previously studied by these reactions. Angular distributions corresponding to resolvable final states are presented. Marked variation in the relative cross sections of final states was observed in the energy spectra. In an effort to explain the nature of this preferential population, these final states are correlated, where possible, with their expected configurations. A distorted-wave Born-approximation analysis was made for several of the transitions; the outstanding characteristic of this analysis was the strong preference for $L=2\mathrm{}$ transitions over $L=0\mathrm{}$ transitions.

• Received 9 June 1965

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRev.140.B605