Heavy-ion Fusion Cross Sections Research Articles

The slopes of sub-barrier heavy-ion fusion excitation functions shed light on the dynamics of quantum tunnelling

Quantum tunnelling plays a crucial role in heavy-ion fusion reactions at sub-barrier energies, especially in the context of nuclear physics and astrophysics. The nuclear structure of the colliding nuclei and nucleon transfer processes represent intrinsic degrees of freedom. They are coupled to the relative ion motion and, in general, increase the probability of tunnelling. The influence of couplings to nucleon transfer channels relatively to inelastic excitations, on heavy-ion fusion cross sections, is one of the still open problems in this field. We present a new analysis of several systems, based on the combined observation of the energy-weighted excitation functions Eσ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$E\\sigma $$\\end{document} in relation to their first energy derivatives d(Eσ)/dE\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$d(E\\sigma )/dE$$\\end{document}. The relation between d(Eσ)/dE\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$d(E\\sigma )/dE$$\\end{document} and Eσ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$E\\sigma $$\\end{document} removes the basic differences due to the varying Coulomb barrier when comparing different systems. We show that, depending on the nuclear structure and/or the presence of strong transfer channels, this representation reveals characteristic features below the barrier. The possible presence of cross section oscillations makes this analysis less clear for light- or medium-light systems.

Investigating the impact of the universal function of the nuclear proximity potential in heavy-ion fusion cross sections

The fusion barriers and cross sections of 15 colliding systems with 320 ≤ Z 1 Z 2 ≤ 1512 are investigated in detail to understand the influence of the universal function of proximity potential formalism in the heavy-ion fusion mechanism. To realize this goal, we select three versions of the phenomenological proximity potentials, including Prox. 77, Zhang 2013, and Guo 2013, to calculate the nucleus–nucleus potential. The experimental fusion cross sections for the selected reactions are analyzed using the standard coupled-channel calculations, including couplings to the low-lying 2+ and 3− states in the target and projectile. The calculated results show that the universal functions of the Guo 2013 and Prox. 77 models provide the lowest and highest fusion barriers, respectively. In addition, it is found that the height of the fusion barriers is enhanced by increasing the mass number of the projectile from light to heavy ones. The highest sensitivity to the mass number of the projectile belongs to the results of Prox. 77. A discussion is also presented on the influence of the universal function on the radial behavior of the interaction potential in the allowed region for overlapping configurations. Our results reveal that the best fit to the experimental data of the fusion cross sections for the reactions involving light and medium nuclei is obtained using the universal function of the Zhang 2013 model. For the heavier systems, the results of the Guo 2013 model at sub-barrier energies provide a good description of the available data.

Importance of physical information on the prediction of heavy-ion fusion cross sections with machine learning

Importance of physical information on the prediction of heavy-ion fusion cross sections with machine learning

Understanding heavy-ion fusion cross section data using novel artificial intelligence approaches

We modeled an unprecedentedly large dataset of complete fusion cross section data using a novel artificial intelligence approach. Our analysis aims especially to unveil, in a data-driven way, nuclear structure effects on the fusion between heavy ions and to suggest a universal formula capable to describe all previously available data. The study focused on light-to-mediummass nuclei, where incomplete fusion phenomena are more difficult to occur and less likely to contaminate the data. The method used to derive the models exploits a state-of-the-art hybridization of genetic programming and artificial neural networks and is capable to derive an analytical expression that serves to predict integrated cross section values. For the first time, we analyzed a comprehensive set of nuclear variables, including quantities related to the nuclear structure of projectile and target. In this manuscript, we describe the derivation of two computationally simple models that can satisfactorily describe, with a reduced number of variables and only a few parameters, a large variety of lightto- intermediate-mass collision systems in an energy domain ranging approximately from the Coulomb barrier to the oncet of multi-fragmentation phenomena. The underlying methods are particularly innovative and are of potential use for a broad domain of applications in the nuclear field.

Understanding Heavy-ion Fusion Cross Section Data Using Novel Artificial Intelligence Approaches

An unprecedentedly extensive dataset of complete fusion cross section data is modeled via a novel artificial intelligence approach. The analysis was focused on light-to-medium-mass nuclei, where fission-like phenomena are more difficult to occur. The method used to derive the models exploits a state-of-the-art hybridization of genetic programming and artificial neural networks and is capable to derive, in a data-driven way, an analytical expression that serves to predict integrated cross section values. We analyzed a comprehensive set of nuclear variables, including quantities related to the nuclear structure of projectile and target. In this paper, we describe the derivation of two computationally simple models that can satisfactorily describe, with a reduced number of variables and only a few parameters, a large variety of light-to-intermediate-mass collision systems in an energy domain ranging approximately from the Coulomb barrier to the oncet of multi-fragmentation phenomena. The underlying methods are of potential use for a broad domain of applications in the nuclear field.

Systematic study of the isotopic dependence of heavy-ion fusion cross sections at below- and above-barrier energies

The present work provides a systematic study on the role of nuclear surface tension in the isotopic dependence of the fusion cross sections at below- and above-barrier energies over wide range of neutron content (0.5 < N/Z < 1.7). To realize our goal, we select three different versions of proximity-based potential, involving proximity potential 1977, 1988, and 2010, in order to calculate the nucleus-nucleus potential and ultimately the fusion barrier parameters. It is shown that the barrier positions, heights, and curvatures follow a (second-order) non-linear isotopic behavior with addition of neutrons which are dependent on the effect of variation in the nuclear surface tension. Our findings reveal that the sensitivity of isotopic dependence of the fusion barrier characteristics to the effect of surface energy coefficients γ increases by increasing the asymmetry of the colliding pair. In addition, we demonstrate the sensitivity toward the coefficient γ is seen more clearly from the more neutron-rich nuclei compared to the neutron-deficient ones. We discuss the isotopic dependence of the fusion cross sections at below- and above-barrier energies within the framework of the Wong model for a single potential barrier. For above-barrier energies, it is shown that the fusion cross sections follow an increasing (second-order) non-linear trend due to the addition of neutrons. While a decreasing (second-order) non-linear trend exists for the variation in the fusion cross sections at below-barrier energies. Simultaneous comparison the results obtained by the 3 versions of proximity potential for the isotopic dependence of fusion cross sections in the mentioned energy regions reveal the importance of the quantum tunneling and also nuclear structure effects.

A novel approach for taking into account the zero-point oscillations in calculating heavy-ion fusion cross-sections

Earlier in the literature it was shown that accounting for the zero-point oscillations (ZPO) of the shape of colliding atomic nuclei results in significant increasing of the calculated sub-barrier capture (fusion) crosssections. However, calculations of such kind were performed in a simplified way with the schematic nucleus– nucleus potential. The purpose of the present paper is to estimate in an accurate way the sub-barrier capture cross-sections in collisions between oxygen-16 and spherical nuclei with the realistic potential and to compare the calculated cross-sections with the experimental data. Nucleus-nucleus potential is obtained within the doublefolding model with Paris M3Y nucleon–nucleon effective forces. The nucleon densities are taken from the IAEA data base (they are calculated using the Hartree–Fock–Bogoliubov method and approximated by two-parameter Fermi profile). The transmission coefficients are calculated within the WKB approximation below the Coulomb barrier and within parabolic barrier approximation above it. A novel approach for taking into account the ZPO without any fitting parameters is proposed. It is demonstrated that ignoring the ZPO results in underestimating the experimental data whereas accounting for ZPO improves the agreement of the calculated cross-sections with the experimental ones.

Expression for the heavy-ion fusion cross section

The expression for calculation of the heavy-ion fusion cross section is obtained in the case of approximation of the total heavy-ion potential around the barrier by the Morse potential. The approximation of the total heavy-ion potential around the barrier by the Morse potential is more realistic than the parabolic one. The asymptotic expressions of the fusion cross section at sub-barrier energies obtained for the Morse and parabolic approximations of the total heavy-ion potential have different dependencies on collision energy. The fusion cross sections calculated for the Morse and parabolic approximations of the total heavy-ion potential are discussed for the reactions $^{12}\mathrm{C}+^{24}\mathrm{Mg}$ and $^{12}\mathrm{C}+^{30}\mathrm{Si}$ in detail.

A Novel Approach for Taking into Account the Zero-Point Oscillations in Calculating Heavy-Ion Fusion Cross-Sections

A Novel Approach for Taking into Account the Zero-Point Oscillations in Calculating Heavy-Ion Fusion Cross-Sections

Universal Models for Heavy-Ion Fusion Cross Section Above-Barrier

The paper discusses a recent re-investigation of a large body of heavy-ion fusion cross section data with the aim of deriving a simple phenomenological model able to describe data from the Coulomb barrier up to the onset of nuclear multifragmentation. To this end, we adopted two complementary approaches: a first universal phenomenological model was derived exploiting a novel artificial intelligence tool for the formal modelling of large datasets. This tool is capable of advanced feature selection and is ideal to drive the discovery process even using traditional methods. A second phenomenological model was derived using a sum-of-difference approach and achieved an unprecedented accuracy in describing above-barrier fusion excitation functions data. Future perspectives and opportunities arising from the present models are also discussed in the text.

Examining the correlation between multi-neutron transfer and inelastic excitations in sub-barrier fusion enhancement

Background: Heavy-ion fusion cross-sections at sub barrier energies are found to be enhanced by orders of magnitude as compared to the predictions of one-dimensional barrier penetration model (1-D BPM). The coupling of various internal degrees of freedom has been employed to decrypt the mechanism responsible for the observed sub-barrier fusion enhancement. However, the unambiguous role of multi-neutron transfer channels in the sub-barrier domain is still elusive.Purpose: We aim to explore and disentangle the effects of multi-neutron transfer channels from the inelastic excitations in the vicinity of the Coulomb barrier.Method: The fusion excitation functions for $^{28}\mathrm{Si} + ^{116,120,124}\mathrm{Sn}$ systems were measured from $\ensuremath{\approx}14%\phantom{\rule{0.222222em}{0ex}}$ below to $\ensuremath{\approx}15%\phantom{\rule{0.222222em}{0ex}}$ above the Coulomb barrier by detecting the evaporation residues (ERs) at the focal plane of the Recoil Mass Separator (RMS), Heavy Ion Reaction Analyzer (HIRA) at the Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC), New Delhi.Results: The extracted fusion cross sections for the investigated systems at sub-barrier energies are significantly enhanced as compared to the predictions of 1-D BPM calculations. To probe the underlying mechanism responsible for the observed sub-barrier fusion enhancement, the coupled-channels (CC) formalism was employed. Coupled reaction channels (CRC) calculations by incorporating the one-neutron transfer channel to elucidate the significance of the transfer channel on the fusion dynamics were performed. Further, the semiempirical coupled channels (ECC) approach was explored to decipher the possible cause of the observed fusion excitation function trend. A systematic analysis of the neighboring systems available in the literature was also performed.Conclusions: CC calculations were able to reproduce the measured fusion excitation functions for $^{28}\mathrm{Si} + ^{116,120}\mathrm{Sn}$ systems to a reasonable extent. However, observed sub-barrier fusion enhancement in $^{28}\mathrm{Si}+^{124}\mathrm{Sn}$ system could not be explained using CC calculations. The influence of multi-neutron transfer channels was highlighted in the coupled-channels calculations. The interplay of collective excitations and neutron transfer was observed.

Modeling heavy-ion fusion cross section data via a novel artificial intelligence approach

We perform a comprehensive analysis of complete fusion cross section data with the aim to derive, in a completely data-driven way, a model suitable to predict the integrated cross section of the fusion between light-to-medium mass nuclei at above barrier energies. To this end, we adopted a novel artificial intelligence approach, based on a hybridization of genetic programming and artificial neural networks, capable to derive an analytical model for the description of experimental data. The approach enables to perform a global search for computationally simple models over several variables and a considerable body of nuclear data. The derived phenomenological formula can serve to reproduce the trend of fusion cross section for a large variety of light to intermediate mass collision systems in an energy domain ranging approximately from the Coulomb barrier to the onset of multi-fragmentation phenomena.

Heavy-ion fusion cross section formula and barrier height distribution

Methods for obtaining fusion cross section formulas are discussed, especially for those that take on an empirical form. A new expression starting with $\ensuremath{\sigma}(E)=\frac{1}{E}{\ensuremath{\int}}_{{E}_{0}}^{E}\left({\ensuremath{\int}}_{{E}_{0}}^{{E}^{\ensuremath{'}}}B({E}^{\ensuremath{''}})d{E}^{\ensuremath{''}}\right)d{E}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ has been explored. Here, $B(E)$ is a reasonable, assumed function of the barrier height distribution, $\frac{{d}^{2}(\ensuremath{\sigma}E)}{d{E}^{2}}$. The resulting analytic cross section formula reproduces very well the excitation functions for many light and heavy fusion systems across wide energy ranges, when $B(E)$ is assumed to be a multi-Gaussian function. This study offers an improved determination of the fusion barrier height distribution over other numerical techniques.

Heavy-Ion Fusion Reaction Calculations: Establishing the Theoretical Frameworks for 111In Radionuclide over the Coupled Channel Model

In this work, the production of I111n radionuclide has been investigated theoretically via heavy-ion fusion reactions of two stable nuclei: C37l+G74e, M26g+R85b, S30i+B81r, and C46a+C65u reactions. Fusion cross-sections, barrier distributions, and potential energies on mutual orientations in the reactions planes of all reactions have been researched in detail around the barrier region via a coupled channel (CC) model using different codes. First of all, the most suitable codes and calculation parameter sets were determined through the C37l+G74e reaction, whose experimental data were available. The compatibility of the calculations via NRV knowledge base, CCFULL, CCDEF codes, and Wong’s formula with experimental data was analyzed. Barrier distributions and cross-sections for heavy-ion fusion reactions have been investigated with miscellaneous codes and vibrational-rotational nuclei combinations for interacting nuclei. Afterward, calculations were made with the determined parameter values for new reaction suggestions (M26g+R85b, S30i+B81r, and C46a+C65u reactions) and the results were compared. This study aims to suggest the new reaction combinations for the production of 111In radionuclide, to explore the impacts of different calculation codes and nuclear parameter combinations on the heavy-ion fusion cross-sections and barrier distributions, to demonstrate that the results are reliable, and to emphasize the importance of developing these studies in the preparation of new experiments.

Survey of deep sub-barrier heavy-ion fusion hindrance phenomenon for positive and negative Q-value systems using the proximity-type potential

A systematic survey of the accurate measurements of heavy-ion fusion cross sections at extreme sub-barrier energies is performed using the coupled-channels (CC) theory that is based on the proximity formalism. This work theoretically explores the role of the surface energy coefficient and energy-dependent nucleus-nucleus proximity potential in the mechanism of the fusion hindrance of 14 typical colliding systems with negative -values, including 11B+197Au, 12C+198Pt, 16O+208Pb, 28Si+94Mo, 48Ca+96Zr, 28Si+64Ni, 58Ni+58Ni, 60Ni+89Y, 12C+204Pb, 36S+64Ni, 36S+90Zr, 40Ca+90Zr, 40Ca+40Ca, and 48Ca+48Ca, as well as five typical colliding systems with positive -values, including 12C+30Si, 24Mg+30Si, 28Si+30Si, 36S+48Ca, and 40Ca+48Ca. It is shown that the outcomes based on the proximity potential along with the above-mentioned physical effects achieve reasonable agreement with the experimentally observed data of the fusion cross sections , astrophysical factors, and logarithmic derivatives in the energy region far below the Coulomb barrier. A discussion is also presented on the performance of the present theoretical approach in reproducing the experimental fusion barrier distributions for different colliding systems.

Heavy-ion fusion cross sections in the barrier and high-energy regions: Signature of energy dependence in the repulsive core potential

The effect of incompressibility of cold nuclear matter (CNM) on the high-energy fusion data of the 26Mg+248Cm, 36S+238U, 48Ca+208Pb, 50Ti+209Bi and 40,48Ca+238U colliding systems with 1152≤Z1Z2≤1840 has been analyzed using coupled-channels (CC) calculations. To apply the effect of saturation property of nuclear matter, we use the M3Y double-folding model which is corrected with a repulsive term. The repulsive parameters are adjusted to provide an optimum fit to the available experimental fusion cross sections. For each of the 26Mg+248Cm, 36S+238U, 48Ca+208Pb colliding systems, the best fit to the measured fusion cross sections at high energies is achieved using the CC calculations based on the M3Y+Repulsion potential with a constant value for the strength of the repulsive contact term. While focusing on the heavy-ion fusion reactions existing in the mass range Z1Z2>1800 reveals that it is necessary to consider an energy-dependent behavior for the repulsive parameters. When these conditions are imposed on entrance channel potential, it is possible to obtain an excellent description of the fusion data for 50Ti+209Bi, 40Ca+238U, and 48Ca+238U reactions. Our findings indicate that the extracted values of the strength Vrep of the repulsive contact term increase with increasing incident energy Ec.m.. In addition, we conclude that the repulsive part of the density distribution becomes more diffused with an increase in bombarding energy.

Influence of the tensor interaction on heavy-ion fusion cross sections

[Background] While the tensor interaction has been shown to significantly affect the nuclear structure of exotic nuclei, its influence on nuclear reactions has only recently been investigated. The primary reason for this neglect is the fact that most studies of nuclear dynamics do not include the tensor force at all in their models. Indeed, only a few Skyrme parametrizations consider the tensor interaction in parameter determination. With modern research facilities extending our ability to probe exotic nuclei, a correct description of nuclear dynamics and heavy-ion fusion is vital to both supporting and leading experimental efforts. [Method] Fusion cross sections are calculated using ion-ion potentials generated by the fully microscopic density-constrained time-dependent Hartree-Fock (DC-TDHF) method with the complete Skyrme tensor interaction. [Results] For light nuclei, the tensor force only slightly changes the sub-barrier fusion cross sections at very low energies. Heavier nuclei, however, begin to exhibit a substantial hindrance effect in the sub-barrier region. This effect is strongest in spin-unsaturated systems, though can manifest in other configurations as well. Static, ground state deformation effects of the tensor force can also affect cross sections by shifting the fusion barrier. [Conclusions] The tensor interaction has a measurable effect on the fusion cross sections of nuclei spanning the nuclear chart. The effect comes from both static effects present in the ground state and dynamic processes arising from the time evolution of the system. This motivates the development of a modern Skyrme parameter set that includes all time-odd and tensor terms and that studies moving forward should include the tensor force to ensure a more robust and complete description of nuclei.

Above-barrier heavy-ion fusion cross-sections using the relativistic mean-field approach: Case of spherical colliding nuclei

In the present work, the influence of the nuclear matter density on the DF potential and on the Coulomb barrier parameters is studied systematically for collisions of spherical nuclei. The value of the parameter BZ=ZPZT/(AP1/3+AT1/3) (estimating the Coulomb barrier height) varies in these calculations from 10 MeV up to 150 MeV. We have introduced self-consistent relativistic mean field (RMF) density in the present analysis. For the nucleon-nucleon effective interaction, the M3Y forces with the finite range exchange term and density dependence are employed. The above barrier fusion cross sections are calculated within the framework of the trajectory model with surface friction. Results are compared with the previous study in which the nuclear density came from the Skyrme Hartree-Fock (HF) calculations and with the high precision experimental data. This comparison demonstrates that i) agreement between the theoretical and experimental cross sections obtained with RMF and HF densities is of the same quality and ii) the values of the only adjustable parameter (friction strength) obtained with RMF and HF densities strongly correlate with each other.

Empirical relations for the fusion cross sections of heavy ions

Simple relations for a calculation of the barrier height B, radius R and curvature \( \hbar \omega\) parameters used in the Wong formula for an evaluation of the heavy-ion fusion cross section are presented. These relations are obtained by a fitting of 1995 experimental cross section values measured for 85 even-even heavy-ion systems ranging from 12C + 12C with \( Z_{1}Z_{2} = 36\) to 58Ni + 124Sn with \( Z_{1}Z_{2} = 1400\). Substituting these formulas for B, R and \( \hbar \omega\) into the Wong formula we can estimate both the fusion cross section of different spherical nuclei and the astrophysical S-factor. The value of the root-mean-square error of the decimal logarithm of the fusion cross section is 0.225.

Reproducing heavy-ion fusion cross sections at extreme sub-barrier energies with a simple formula

Heavy-ion fusion hindrance occurs at extreme sub-barrier energies. This behavior is well reproduced with a simple cross section formula, which was developed by Siwek-Wilczynska et al., based on a single-Gaussian distribution of fusion barrier heights, before the discovery of the hindrance phenomenon. This expression has not yet been widely used and referenced in the literature. An analysis by using this simple formula is presented for 29 systems, from 16O + 18O to 64Ni + 124Sn , all being measured down to less than 10μb. The agreement with the data is even better than the ones from sophisticated Coupled-channels calculations. This simple expression also applies to fusion reactions in lighter systems. The three parameters contained in this formula vary in a relatively smooth fashion over the whole mass range, and can be used to extrapolate cross sections or to obtain an estimate of the excitation function for systems which have not been measured. Extensions and restrictions of this method are also discussed.