Effect of increasing neutron-excess on the fusion cross-section in C12-15 + C-12 at above-barrier energies

Fusion excitation functions at energies above the fusion barrier for C12-15 + C-12 are examined. From these excitation functions the average fusion cross-section, < sigma(F) >, is calculated. For this isotopic chain, the measured dependence of < sigma(F) > on neutron excess is compared with static barrier penetration models. The more rapid increase observed for the experimental cross-sections above the geometric increase predicted by the static models suggests that the stronger dependence on neutron-excess measured may be attributable to dynamics. Calculations with a time-dependent Hartree-Fock model also fail to describe the observed trend suggesting that for neutron-rich nuclei, neutron dynamics may play a larger role than is presently accounted for. (C) 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Automated summary

Fusion excitation functions for C12-15 + C-12 at energies above the fusion barrier were examined, and the average fusion cross-section was calculated. The experimental cross-sections showed a more rapid increase than predicted by static models, indicating a stronger dependence on neutron excess possibly attributable to dynamics. Time-dependent Hartree-Fock calculations also failed to describe the observed trend, suggesting that neutron dynamics may play a larger role for neutron-rich nuclei.