Nuclear-matter distribution in the proton-rich nuclei 7Be and 8B from intermediate energy proton elastic scattering in inverse kinematics

Absolute differential cross sections for elastic p7Be and p8B small-angle scattering were measured in inverse kinematics at an energy of 0.7 GeV/u at GSI Darmstadt. The hydrogen-filled ionization chamber IKAR was used as an active target to detect the recoil protons. The projectile tracking and isotope identification were performed with multi-wire proportional chambers and scintillation detectors. The measured cross sections were analysed using the Glauber multiple-scattering theory. The root-mean-square (rms) nuclear matter radii Rm=2.42(4) fm for 7Be and Rm=2.58(6) fm for 8B were obtained. The radial density distribution deduced for 8B exhibits a proton halo structure with the rms halo radius Rh=4.24(25) fm. A comparison of the deduced experimental radii is displayed with existing experimental and theoretical data.