Low-energy bound states, resonances, and scattering of light ions

Abstract: We describe bound states, resonances and elastic scattering of light ions using a $\delta$-shell potential. Focusing on low-energy data such as energies of bound states and resonances, charge radii, asymptotic normalization coefficients, effective-range parameters, and phase shifts, we adjust the two parameters of the potential to some of these observables and make predictions for the nuclear systems $d+\alpha$, $\mbox{$^3$He}+\alpha$, $\mbox{$^3$He}+\alpha$, $\alpha+\alpha$, and $p+\mbox{$^{16}$O}$. We identify relevant momentum scales for Coulomb halo nuclei and propose how to apply systematic corrections to the potentials. This allows us to quantify statistical and systematic uncertainties. We present a constructive criticism of Coulomb halo effective field theory and compute the unknown charge radius of $^{17}$F.