Cluster production in Xe + Sn collisions between 65-150 MeV/nucleon

TL;DR

This study investigates cluster production in Xe + Sn collisions at 65-150 MeV/nucleon, revealing that heavier clusters form mainly in central collisions and that the participant zone reaches densities twice that of normal nuclear matter.

Contribution

It provides detailed analysis of cluster types, their dependence on impact parameter, and estimates the maximum density achieved in these nuclear collisions.

Findings

Heavier clusters are produced in central collisions.

Cluster production correlates with neutron-richness of the system.

Maximum density reaches about 2 times the normal nuclear density.

Abstract

Characterization of the participant-zone (PZ) in the $^{129,124}$Xe + $^{112,124}$Sn reaction at the energy range 65-150 MeV/nucleon reveals copious cluster production. A detailed study of the chemical composition as a function of the impact parameter shows that heavier clusters ($^6$He, $^{6-8}$Li, $^{7-10}$Be...) are most likely produced for central collisions. A hierarchy of the cluster production with the neutron-richness of the total system is observed, suggesting a full mixing of the projectile and target in the PZ. An estimate of the maximum density in central collisions has been deduced from the kinetic energy of the emitted fragments, reaching almost 2 time the normal density (2$\rho_0$) at 150 MeV/nucleon.