Properties of ⁸Be and ¹²C deduced from the folding--potential model

The $\alpha$--$\alpha$ differential cross sections are analyzed in the optical model using a double--folded potential. With the knowledge of this potential bound and resonance--state properties of $\alpha$--cluster states in $^{8}$Be and $^{12}$C as well as astrophysical S--factors of $^{4}$He($\alpha$,$\gamma$)$^{8}$Be and $^{8}$Be($\alpha$,$\gamma$)$^{12}$C are calculated. $\Gamma_{\gamma}$--widths and B(E2)--values are deduced.