Quasi-molecular states in the 12C + 16O amd 16O + 16O systems

The quasi-molecular states observed in the 12C + 16O + 16O and 16O systems are described in a diatomic-like molecular picture using a Morse-type bonding potential. The depths of the bonding potentials are found to be 16.7 and 22.8 MeV respectively, with a long range of about 16 fm. Both the bound and resonance states of these potentials are calculated and compare quite well with the observed states. The diatomic-like rotational and vibrational picture of the quasi-molecular states proposed earlier for 12C + 12C system is found to be valid for the 12C + 16O and 16O + 16O systems. In these two systems, the rotational and vibrational characteristics seem to be more strongly pronounced compared with the 12C + 12C system. (Author)