The inclusive proton and deuteron spectra from the $\alpha +\alpha$ interaction at $E_{\alpha }=110, 130, 158, \mathrm{and} 172$ MeV measured in the angular range $9°\le {\theta }_{\mathrm{lab}}\le 50°$ are presented. The shape of the spectra are satisfactorily fitted using the Fermi statistical partition model which yields spectra whose shape are dictated by the phase space allowed to the particles present in the final state. The success of this model points to the importance of that mode of breakup in nuclear reactions below the pion production threshold.

NUCLEAR REACTIONS ${}_{}{}^4{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{He}$($\alpha$,$x$); $x=p,d$, $E=110-172\mathrm{}$ MeV; measured $\sigma (E,\theta )$; statistical partition-model analysis; deduced contribution strength of various breakup modes. Gas target.

• Received 3 October 1980

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.24.841