Calculation of the 12C+12C sub-barrier fusion cross section in an imaginary time-dependent mean field theory

TL;DR

This paper models the 12C+12C fusion cross section at sub-barrier energies using a time-dependent mean field approach, comparing results with experimental data and analyzing resonance effects relevant to stellar processes.

Contribution

It introduces a TDHF-based classical model with Feynman Path Integral Method for calculating fusion cross sections, providing new insights into low-energy resonances and reaction rates.

Findings

Good agreement with direct experimental data

Model predicts S* factor between THM results

Resonance effects significantly influence stellar reaction rates

Abstract

The 12C+12C sub-barrier fusion cross section is calculated within the framework of a Time Dependent Hartree-Fock (TDHF) based classical model using the Feynman Path Integral Method. The modified astrophysical S*-factor is compared to direct and indirect experimental results. A good agreement with the direct data is found. In the lower energy region, where recent analyses of experimental data obtained with the Trojan Horse Method (THM) lead to contrasting results, the model predicts an S* factor half way between those results. Low energy resonances revealed in the THM data are added to the calculation and the relative reaction rate in the Gamow region is calculated. The role of different resonances is discussed in detail and their influence on the reaction rate at temperatures relevant to stellar evolution is investigated.