BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//CERN//INDICO//EN BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Bridging Reaction Physics and Nuclear Structure: γ-Ray Spectrosco py and Cross-Section Systematics for Nucleon-Induced Reactions DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260520T082500Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260520T084500Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260624T105723Z UID:indico-contribution-3836@indico.tlabs.ac.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Walid Yahia Cherif (Nuclear research center of Algie rs (CRNA))\nWe present here a a comprehensive and systematic study of nucl ear γ-ray production cross-sections induced by proton reactions on a seri es of key nuclei\, specifically 24\,25\,26Mg\, 28\,29\,30Si\, 40Ca\, and 5 6Fe [1\,2]. These investigations are conducted within the framework of an Algeria-France-South Africa collaboration at the iThemba LABS facility\, u tilizing the high-resolution AFRODITE gamma-ray spectrometer. The primary objective is to provide high-precision experimental data in a proton energ y range of 30-200 MeV [1\,3] where existing data are often scarce or incon sistent\, yet crucial for multiple scientific domains.\nThe measured cross -sections serve as a cornerstone for several applications. In medical phys ics\, they are essential for optimizing radioisotope production and improv ing dose calculations in proton therapy. In nuclear astrophysics\, these d ata are employed to simulate γ-ray line emissions resulting from the inte raction of galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) with abundant elements in the inter stellar medium (ISM) and solar flares. By comparing laboratory measurement s with satellite observations (such as those from INTEGRAL or COMPTEL)\, w e can better determine the chemical composition and understand the energet ic processes of the cosmos.\nA central technical aspect of this work invol ves the adjustment of optical model potential (OMP) parameters for nucleon -nucleus interactions. Beyond the primary gamma-ray line analyses followi ng inelastic scattering on target nuclei\, our analysis allows for the mea surement of production cross-sections for a wide range of residual nuclei. Indeed\, the complex interaction mechanisms lead to the observation of va rious isotopes resulting from nucleon or alpha emission\, such as 21\,22Ne \, 22\,23Na\, and 24\,25\,26Al from magnesium and silicon targets\, as wel l as 38\,39K\, 36\,38Ar\, 54\,55Fe\, and 52Cr for heavier targets. To ensu re the highest accuracy\, the analysis of the γ-ray spectra is complement ed\, whenever necessary and possible\, by a lineshape calculation to accou nt for Doppler effects and peak broadening.\nThis process is a fundamental approach to better understand the physics of reactions and the complex in teractions between the candidates (incident particles and target nuclei). By systematically adjusting the OMP parameters\, we can adjust the nuclear level coupling and determine the nuclear deformation parameters (β2​ a nd β4​). While the analysis of the 40Ca data is currently in progress-f ocusing on the optimization of nucleon-induced reactions and their implica tions for residual Argon nuclei-future objectives aim to extend this metho dology to α-particle induced reactions as they are rather scarce. Ultimat ely\, this hierarchical approach - moving from fundamental interaction phy sics to the adjustment of theoretical models - is needed for improving the predictive accuracy of global nuclear reaction codes such as TALYS.\nThe experimental and theoretical results obtained and compiled will be present ed and discussed.\n\nReferences:\n[1] W. Yahia-Cherif\, et al. (2020). Mea surement and analysis of nuclear γ-ray production cross sections in proto n interactions with Mg\, Si\, and Fe nuclei abundant in astrophysical site s over the incident energy range Ep​=30-66 MeV. Phys. Rev. C\, 102(2)\, 025802. DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevC.102.025802\n[2] W. Yahia-Cherif (2025). Opti cal model potential parameter optimization for nucleon-induced reactions o n 40Ca: Implications on γ-ray production cross sections for residual Argo n nuclei. EPJ Web of Conferences\, 322\, 05004. DOI: 10.1051/epjconf/20253 2205004\n[3] Y. Rahma\, W. Yahia-Cherif\, et al. (2023). γ-ray emission i n proton-induced nuclear reactions on natC and Mylar targets over the inci dent energy range Ep​=30-200 MeV. Astrophysical implications. Nucl. Phys . A\, 1032\, 122622. DOI: 10.1016/j.nuclphysa.2023.122622\n\nhttps://indic o.tlabs.ac.za/event/139/contributions/3836/ LOCATION:NRF-iThemba LABS\, Old Faure Road\, Cape Town Auditorium URL:https://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/139/contributions/3836/ END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR