A new type of complex $G$-matrix interactions including the effect of three-body nucleon-nucleon ($\mathit{NN}$) force is proposed and applied to the folding-model calculation of proton-nucleus elastic scattering at $E_p=65~200$ MeV for ${}^{12}\mathrm{C},{}^{40}\mathrm{Ca},{}^{90}\mathrm{Zr}$, and ${}^{208}\mathrm{Pb}$ target nuclei. All the measured cross sections and analyzing powers are well reproduced by the folding potentials with the new complex $G$-matrix interaction when the effect of three-body force (TBF) is included so as to give the reasonable saturation property. The inclusion of TBF largely reduces the strength of real-central component of folding potential at middle and short distances. The TBF effect is clearly observed in drastic improvements of analyzing powers at forward angles, which is, however, due to the TBF effect on the real-central potentials, not to the direct effects on the spin-orbit potentials. The calculated folding potential is shown to be very sensitive to the difference of neutron-density profile of the target nucleus.

• Received 28 May 2008

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.78.044610