Determination of differential cross-sections for the natK(p, p0) and 39K(p, α0) reactions in the backscattering geometry

In the present work, new, differential cross-section values are presented for the natK(p, p0) reaction in the energy range Elab = 3000-5000 keV (with an energy step of 25 keV) and for detector angles between 140° and 170° (with an angular step of 10°). A qualitative discussion of the observed cross-section variations through the influence of strong, closely spaced resonances in the p + 39K system is also presented. Information has also been extracted concerning the 39K(p,α0) reaction for Elab = 4000-5000 keV in the same angular range. As a result, more than ∼500 data points will soon be available to the scientific community through IBANDL (Ion Beam Analysis Nuclear Data Library - http://www-nds.iaea.org/ibandl/) and could thus be incorporated in widely used IBA algorithms (e.g. SIMNRA, WINDF, etc.) for potassium depth profiling at relatively high proton beam energies.