The deformation of 46, 48, 50Ti from 104 MeV α-particle scattering

Differential cross sections have been measured for the elastic and inelastic scattering of 104 MeV α-particles from^{46, 48, 49}Ti. The experimental results are analyzed in terms of coupled channels on the basis of various limiting models of the collective behavior of these nuclei: symmetric rotator (⁴⁶Ti), asymmetric rotator (⁴⁸Ti) and anharmonic vibrator (⁵⁰Ti). The analysis uses both the usual extended optical model and a semimicroscopic folding model. Prolate-oblate and γ-asymmetry effects are studied and confirm prolate deformation of ⁴⁶Ti and ⁴⁸Ti. Hexadecapole transitions (0⁺ → 4₁⁺) are found.