Improved statistical-model calculations allow a search for the lower and upper limiting angular momenta of compound-nucleus formation that give best fits to evaporation-residue mass distributions. For the ${}_{}{}^{16}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{O}$+${}_{}{}^{16}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{O}$ reaction in the energy range $E_{\mathrm{lab}}=35-80\mathrm{}$ MeV, optimal fits are obtained for low-$l$ cutoff 0, and maximum $l$ equal to $l_{\mathrm{cr}}$, obtained from total fusion cross sections.

• Received 28 November 1979

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.44.1204