Application of the Lagrange mesh method in continuum-discretized coupled-channels calculations

Abstract: We apply the Lagrange-mesh method to discretize continuum states of weakly bound nuclei for continuum-discretized coupled-channel (CDCC) calculations of three-body breakup reactions. This discretization method is compared with the bin method, which is regarded as the standard continuum discretization method, for the $d$ and $^6$Li induced reactions. An improved Numerov algorithm is used to solve the coupled channels equations, which permits a fast integration of equations and a convenient treatment of the closed channels. A new CDCC model code named \emph{CDCC-R} is developed. In all cases, the combination of the Lagrange-mesh method and the Numerov algorithm shows high efficiency and accuracy for the CDCC calculations of the elastic scattering and breakup reactions. Especially, various numerical and physical aspects are discussed for $^6$Li induced reactions. The coupling effects of the continuum states with high orbital angular momentum and closed channels are discussed. Moderate effects are found in the calculations for elastic scattering and breakup reaction when $F$- and $G$-wave continuum states are included in CDCC model space for $^6$Li induced reactions at the incident energies well above the Coulomb barrier. The closed channel effect is found to be indispensable for $^6$Li breakup reaction calculation when the incident energy is around the Coulomb barrier.