Sensitivity of alpha-decay to the real alpha-nucleus potential

The information which can be obtained from studies of low energy alpha-particle scattering from heavy nuclei and from alpha-decay is discussed. The sensitivity of calculated widths and lifetimes for alpha-decay to the real nuclear potential is examined in detail using a formalism based on the unified theory of nuclear reactions. It is shown that a combined study of alpha-decay and alpha-particle scattering at energies near the Coulomb barrier should give a very precise determination of the barrier height and radius, although there is a more uniquely defined separation distance some way beyond the barrier.