Colliding heavy nuclei take multiple identities on the path to fusion

Kaitlin J. Cook (), Dominic C. Rafferty, David J. Hinde, Edward C. Simpson, Mahananda Dasgupta, Lorenzo Corradi, Maurits Evers, Enrico Fioretto, Dongyun Jeung, Nikolai Lobanov, Duc Huy Luong, Tea Mijatović, Giovanna Montagnoli, Alberto M. Stefanini and Suzana Szilner
Additional contact information
Kaitlin J. Cook: The Australian National University
Dominic C. Rafferty: The Australian National University
David J. Hinde: The Australian National University
Edward C. Simpson: The Australian National University
Mahananda Dasgupta: The Australian National University
Lorenzo Corradi: Laboratori Nazionali di Legnaro
Maurits Evers: The Australian National University
Enrico Fioretto: Laboratori Nazionali di Legnaro
Dongyun Jeung: The Australian National University
Nikolai Lobanov: The Australian National University
Duc Huy Luong: The Australian National University
Tea Mijatović: Ruđer Bošković Institute
Giovanna Montagnoli: Universita di Padova
Alberto M. Stefanini: Laboratori Nazionali di Legnaro
Suzana Szilner: Ruđer Bošković Institute

Nature Communications, 2023, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-7

Abstract: Abstract The properties of superheavy elements probe extremes of physics and chemistry. They are synthesised at accelerator laboratories using nuclear fusion, where two atomic nuclei collide, stick together (capture), then with low probability evolve to a compact superheavy nucleus. The fundamental microscopic mechanisms controlling fusion are not fully understood, limiting predictive capability. Even capture, considered to be the simplest stage of fusion, is not matched by models. Here we show that collisions of 40Ca with 208Pb, experience an ‘explosion’ of mass and charge transfers between the nuclei before capture, with unexpectedly high probability and complexity. Ninety different partitions of the protons and neutrons between the projectile-like and target-like nuclei are observed. Since each is expected to have a different probability of fusion, the early stages of collisions may be crucial in superheavy element synthesis. Our interpretation challenges the current view of fusion, explains both the successes and failures of current capture models, and provides a framework for improved models.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43817-8

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