The Fusion-by-Diffusion model as a tool to calculate cross sections for the production of superheavy nuclei

TL;DR

This paper reviews the use of the Fusion-by-Diffusion model to calculate cross sections for producing superheavy nuclei, comparing theoretical predictions with experimental data to understand reaction mechanisms.

Contribution

It applies the Fusion-by-Diffusion model with new nuclear data to analyze superheavy nuclei formation, providing detailed insights into each reaction step and angular momentum effects.

Findings

Model accurately reproduces experimental cross sections

Angular momentum significantly influences fusion probabilities

Provides comprehensive fusion excitation functions for cold and hot reactions

Abstract

This article summarizes recent progress in our understanding of the reaction mechanisms leading to the formation of superheavy nuclei in cold and hot fusion reactions. Calculations are done within the Fusion-by-Diffusion (FBD) model using the new nuclear data tables by Jachimowicz et al. [At. Data Nucl. Data Tables 138, 101393 (2021)]. The synthesis reaction is treated in a standard way as a three-step process (i.e., capture, fusion, and survival). Each reaction step is analyzed separately. Model calculations are compared with selected experimental data on capture, fissionlike and fusion cross sections, fusion probabilities, and evaporation residue excitation functions. The role of the angular momentum in the fusion step is discussed in detail. A set of fusion excitation functions with corresponding fusion probabilities is provided for cold and hot synthesis reactions.