Excitation function of alpha-particle-induced reactions on ^natNi from threshold to 44 MeV

Excitation functions of the ^natNi(α,x)^62,63,65Zn, ^natNi(α,x)^56,57Ni and ^natNi(α,x)^56,57,58m+gCo reactions were measured from the respective thresholds to 44MeV using the stacked-foil activation technique. The tests for the beam characterization are described. The radioactivity was measured using HPGe γ-ray detectors. Theoretical calculations on α-particles-induced reactions on ^natNi were performed using the nuclear model code TALYS-1.8. A few results are new, the others strengthen the database. Our experimental data were compared with results of nuclear model calculations and described the reaction mechanism. (orig.)