A folding potential for ${}_{}{}^{12}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{C}$${+}^{12}$C scattering is constructed based on the α-particle model of the nucleus using a free α-α interaction. This potential gives a good description of the data in the energy region of 70–160 MeV. This report reveals a sort of nuclear system in which the ‘‘elementary particle’’ behaves as a free one and thus folding models can be tested more ‘‘cleanly.’’

• Received 24 February 1993

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.47.2393