Does neutron rearrangement enhance the cross sections of the subbarrier fusion of atomic nuclei?

Abstract

The effect neutron rearrangement channels have on nuclear fusion at energies below the Coulomb barrier is considered. The latest experimental data, which reveal no enhancement of the fusion cross section at subbarrier energies despite the presence of rearrangement channels for neutrons with Q > 0 are explained using the empirical channel coupling model. The mechanism of neutron rearrangement in fusion reactions is studied in detail. The conditions required for additional enhancement (complementary to the one associated with the effect of collective excitation channels) of the subbarrier fusion cross section are formulated.