Breakup dynamics of weakly bound nuclei at energies around the Coulomb barrier

Abstract

The present work provides a literature survey of breakup reactions induced by weakly bound nuclei at energies around the Coulomb barrier. We review the inclusive and exclusive breakup data of stable weakly bound nuclei 6,7Li and 9Be, as well as light radioactive projectiles reported within the last decade. Several theoretical and data analysis tools used to describe the data are reviewed as well. Similarities and differences in the behavior of breakup reactions involving these weakly bound nuclei are discussed. It is found that, for 6,7Li and 9Be, transfer-triggered breakup is a significant mode, which, however, is not observed in drip-line nuclear systems. Moreover, differences in the breakup dynamics and the contribution of breakup to the total reaction cross section at energies close to the Coulomb barrier seem to emerge between neutron-halo and proton-halo systems. Possible explanations for the observed differences are discussed.