Reaction Cross Section in Heavy-Ion Collisions

Previously a compact formula for total reaction cross section for heavy-ion collisions as a function of energy was obtained by treating the angular momentum $l$ as a continuous variable. The accuracy of the continuum approximation is assessed and corrections are evaluated. The accuracy of the compact equation can be improved by a simple modification, if a higher accuracy is required. Simple rules to determine the barrier heights and the penetration probability for the $l$ partial wave from experimental data are presented, for the collision of identical or non-identical light nuclei.