Microscopic optical model analyses of proton and neutron elastic scattering cross sections

In this paper the physical properties of a microscopic optical model potential (OMP) derived from a realistic nucleon-nucleon interaction through nuclear matter calculations, using the local density approximation for nuclei are investigated. Nucleon elastic scattering cross sections are calculated for a wide range of energies and nuclei. Comparison with experimental data shows that the shape and depth of the real part of the OMP are guite satisfactory. However, the depth of the imaginary part turns out to be a little too large. Some plausible physical arguments are suggested to explain this discrepancy. The overall argument is however quite encouraging and it suggests that the study of some microscopic effects, neglected previously, would be worthwhile. (Auth.)