Abstract
The understanding of quantum effects in determining nuclear reaction outcomes is evolving as improved experimental techniques reveal new facets of interaction dynamics. Whilst the phenomenon of coupling-enhanced quantum tunnelling is understood to arise due to quantum superposition, the observed inhibition of fusion at energies well below the barrier is not yet quantitatively understood. Collisions involving weakly-bound nuclei, which have low energy thresholds against breakup, present further challenges. Recent coincidence measurements for reactions of weakly bound stable nuclei have not only provided a complete picture of the physical mechanisms triggering breakup, but have also shown how information on reaction dynamics occurring on time-scales of ~zepto-seconds can be obtained experimentally. These new experimental findings demand major developments in quantum models of near-barrier nuclear reactions.
Highlights
The quantum nature of many-body nuclear systems, and of their interactions, plays a dominant role in determining outcomes of nuclear collisions at energies near the fusion barrier
Whilst it is natural to expect quantum effects in nuclear collisions, the recognition that these can dramatically change reaction outcomes arose from advances in accelerator technologies and experimental techniques [1]
Following a brief description of these advances, this paper discusses the current challenges faced in understanding the fundamental process of tunnelling of many-body nuclear systems, and the effects in reaction dynamics that are specific to the quantum structure of weakly bound nuclei
Summary
The quantum nature of many-body nuclear systems, and of their interactions, plays a dominant role in determining outcomes of nuclear collisions at energies near the fusion barrier. Whilst it is natural to expect quantum effects in nuclear collisions, the recognition that these can dramatically change reaction outcomes arose from advances in accelerator technologies and experimental techniques [1]. Precision experiments in the last two decades [2,3,4,5,6], which went hand-inhand with theoretical developments, led to an understanding of the effect of quantum superpositions. Following a brief description of these advances, this paper discusses the current challenges faced in understanding the fundamental process of tunnelling of many-body nuclear systems, and the effects in reaction dynamics that are specific to the quantum structure of weakly bound nuclei
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