High spin resonances in 12C plus 12C scattering

We report on new experimental data which reveal high spin resonances in C-12 +C-12 scattering. We have measured excitation functions for the C-12 [C-12, C-12(3(1)(-)) + C-12(3(1)(-))] reaction over the centre of mass energy range E-c.m.= 31 to 45 MeV. Resonances have been observed at E-c.m.= 32.5, 37.5 and 43 MeV. Detailed angular correlation measurements have been performed at the energy corresponding to the peak of each resonance. From an analysis of the angular correlations we suggest a dominant angular momentum of J = 22 at the highest energy. We interpret the results in terms of an alpha cluster model of superdeformed states in Mg-24. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.