Observation of Airy minimum in elastic and inelastic scattering of $^3$He from $^{12}$C at 50.5 and 60 MeV and alpha particle condensation in $^{12}$C

Angular distributions for elastic and inelastic scattering of $^3$He from $^{12}$C were measured at energies 50.5 and 60 MeV. The Airy minimum of the prerainbow scattering was clearly observed in the angular distributions for the 0$_2^+$ (7.65 MeV) state of $^{12}$C (Hoyle state). The experimental results were analyzed with a coupled channels method with double folding potentials derived from the microscopic wave functions for the ground 0$_1^+$, 2$^+$ (4.44 MeV), 3$^-$ (9.64 MeV) and 0$_2^+$ states. The analysis supports the view that the Hoyle state is a three alpha particle condensate with a large radius of dilute matter distribution.