I propose a fast algorithm for performing unconstrained phase-shift analyses of (low energy) heavy-ion elastic-scattering data. The method is applied, as an example, to ${}_{}{}^{16}{}_{}{}^{}$O${+\mathrm{}}^{28}$Si elastic scattering at $E_{\mathrm{c}.\mathrm{m}.\mathrm{}=21.1\mathrm{}}$ MeV. A study of general properties of the error matrix is performed, and criteria for the feasibility of a model-independent analysis are discussed. Some recommendations for future experiments and model-dependent analyses are made.

• Received 29 September 1986

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.35.977