Fusion and quasifission dynamics in the reactions $^{48}$Ca+$^{249}$Bk and $^{50}$Ti+$^{249}$Bk using TDHF

TL;DR

This study uses TDHF calculations to compare fusion and quasifission mechanisms in reactions involving $^{48}$Ca and $^{50}$Ti with $^{249}$Bk, revealing how orientation affects reaction outcomes and implications for superheavy element synthesis.

Contribution

First detailed TDHF analysis comparing fusion-quasifission dynamics for $^{48}$Ca and $^{50}$Ti projectiles on $^{249}$Bk, highlighting orientation effects and reaction similarities.

Findings

Long contact times occur when the $^{249}$Bk nucleus is hit on its side.

Reaction dynamics are similar for both projectiles when contacting the side.

Fusion is likely if projectiles have enough energy to contact the side of $^{249}$Bk.

Abstract

Background: Synthesis of superheavy elements (SHE) with fusion-evaporation reactions is strongly hindered by the quasifission (QF) mechanism which prevents the formation of an equilibrated compound nucleus and which depends on the structure of the reactants. New SHE have been recently produced with doubly-magic $^{48}$Ca beams. However, SHE synthesis experiments with single-magic $^{50}$Ti beams have so far been unsuccessful. Purpose: In connection with experimental searches for $Z=117,119$ superheavy elements, we perform a theoretical study of fusion and quasifission mechanisms in $^{48}$Ca,$^{50}$Ti+$^{249}$Bk reactions in order to investigate possible differences in reaction mechanisms induced by these two projectiles. Methods: The collision dynamics and the outcome of the reactions are studied using unrestricted time-dependent Hartree-Fock (TDHF) calculations as well as the density-constrained TDHF method to extract the nucleus-nucleus potentials and the excitation energy in each fragment. Results: Nucleus-nucleus potentials, nuclear contact times, masses and charges of the fragments, as well as their kinetic and excitation energies strongly depend on the orientation of the prolate $^{249}$Bk nucleus. Long contact times associated with fusion are observed in collisions of both projectiles with the side of the $^{249}$Bk nucleus, but not on collisions with its tip. The energy and impact parameter dependences of the fragment properties, as well as their mass-angle and mass-total kinetic energy correlations are investigated. Conclusions: Entrance channel reaction dynamics are similar with both $^{48}$Ca and $^{50}$Ti projectiles. Both are expected to lead to the formation of a compound nucleus by fusion if they have enough energy to get in contact with the side of the $^{249}$Bk target.