Heavy-ion collisions at low energies

Abstract

AbstractIn this regime heavy ion collisions can be parameterized by shape variables, the evolution of which is determined by transport equations of Fokker-Planck or Langevin type. This chapter describes basic scenarios together with the commonly used input for the equations of motion. Formulas for differential cross sections of deep inelastic reactions and total cross sections for fusion reactions are derived. For the latter, results obtained with microscopic and macroscopic transport coefficients (e.g. from the piston or the wall and window model) are compared with each other, including the case of quantum effects in collective motion. Critical reviews of various theoretical approaches and their assumptions are given for microscopic and macroscopic pictures, with particular emphasis on the challenges one faces especially for nuclear transport.