  For the determination of the $^{144}Sm-\alpha$ optical potential we measured
the angular distribution of $^{144}Sm(\alpha,\alpha)^{144}Sm$ scattering at the
energy $E_{lab} = 20 MeV$ with high accuracy. Using the known systematics of
$\alpha$-nucleus optical potentials we are able to derive the $^{144}Sm-\alpha$
optical potential at the astrophysically relevant energy $E_{c.m.} = 9.5 MeV$
with very limited uncertainties.

Nuclear Experiment;Nuclear Theory