We show by direct calculation that the heavy-particle-transfer model of backward elastic $\alpha$-particle scattering, together with the assumption of $\alpha$-cluster structure of ${}_{}{}^{16}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{O}$ and ${}_{}{}^{12}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{C}$, is capable of explaining the large backward peak in elastic $\alpha$ scattering from ${}_{}{}^{16}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{O}$.

• Received 10 November 1970

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.3.1840