Generalized time-dependent generator coordinate method for induced fission dynamics

TL;DR

This paper extends the time-dependent generator coordinate method to include pairing correlations, enabling more realistic modeling of induced fission dynamics in open-shell nuclei, with applications to 240Pu.

Contribution

The paper introduces a generalized TD-GCM that incorporates pairing correlations dynamically, improving the description of fission processes compared to previous models.

Findings

Enhanced modeling of saddle-to-scission dynamics in fission.

Comparison shows improved agreement with experimental data.

Demonstrates the importance of pairing in fission simulations.

Abstract

The generalized time-dependent generator coordinate method (TD-GCM) is extended to include pairing correlations. The correlated GCM nuclear wave function is expressed in terms of time-dependent generator states and weight functions. The particle-hole channel of the effective interaction is determined by a Hamiltonian derived from an energy density functional, while pairing is treated dynamically in the standard BCS approximation with time-dependent pairing tensor and single-particle occupation probabilities. With the inclusion of pairing correlations, various time-dependent phenomena in open-shell nuclei can be described more realistically. The model is applied to the description of saddle-to-scission dynamics of induced fission. The generalized TDGCM charge yields and total kinetic energy distribution for the fission of 240Pu, are compared to those obtained using the standard time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) approach, and with available data.