Fusion11 Conference Summary

A summary account of the conference "Fusion11", held in Saint Malo, France, May 2-6, 2011.Comment: 10 pages, 13 figure

Comment on E2 Contribution to the 8B ---> p + 7Be Coulomb Dissociation Cross Section [K. Langanke and T.D. Shoppa, Phys. Rev. C49(1994)R1771, ER(1994)]

The E2 cross section calculated by Langanke and Shoppa for the Riken experiment on the Coulomb Dissociation of 8B uses E2 nuclear matrix elements from one specific model. Other nuclear models predict a considerably smaller E2 cross section (by a pproximately a factor of 3 to 4), and Langanke and Shoppa appear to assume the most optimistic scenario predicting large E2 cross section. We also note that Barker has already criticised the nuclear model used by Langanke and Shoppa. A MODEL INDEPENDENT Chi-Square analysis of the Riken data, suggest the best fit for the current Riken data is obtained with E1 amplitudes only. The upper limit (90% confidence) on the E2 component derived from our Chi-Square analysis is considerably smaller than used by Langanke and Shoppa. The MODEL DEPENDENT analysis of Langanke-Shoppa should not be considered as a correction to the Riken result, as claimed, and their quoted S17(0) is not substantiated.Comment: 3 pages, 1 Figure, ReVTEX.(GAI @ UConnVM.UConn.EDU), GSI (Bertulani @ VSBS.GSI.DE

Gluon distributions in nuclei probed at the CERN Large Hadron Collider

Using updated gluon distributions from global fits to data, we investigate the sensitivity of direct photoproduction of heavy quarks and exclusive production of vector mesons to varying strength of gluon modifications. Implications of using these processes for constraining nuclear gluon distributions are discussed.Comment: 10 pages, 8 figures; additional results, comments, and references; accepted for publication in Physical Review

Statistical Theory of Breakup Reactions

We propose alternatives to coupled-channels calculations with loosely-bound exotic nuclei (CDCC), based on the the random matrix (RMT) and the optical background (OPM) models for the statistical theory of nuclear reactions. The coupled channels equations are divided into two sets. The first set, described by the CDCC, and the other set treated with RMT. The resulting theory is a Statistical CDCC (CDCC$_S$), able in principle to take into account many pseudo channels.Comment: 15 pages, 4 figures. Contribution to: "4th International Workshop on Compound-Nuclear Reactions and Related Topics (CNR*13)", October 7-11, 2013, Maresias, Brazi

Big Bang nucleosynthesis as a probe of new physics

The Big Bang Nucleosynthesis (BBN) model is a cornerstone for the understanding of the evolution of the early universe, making seminal predictions that are in outstanding agreement with the present observation of light element abundances in the universe. Perhaps, the only remaining issue to be solved by theory is the so-called "lithium abundance problem". Dedicated experimental efforts to measure the relevant nuclear cross sections used as input of the model have lead to an increased level of accuracy in the prediction of the light element primordial abundances. The rise of indirect experimental techniques during the preceding few decades has permitted the access of reaction information beyond the limitations of direct measurements. New theoretical developments have also opened a fertile ground for tests of physics beyond the standard model of atomic, nuclear, statistics, and particle physics. We review the latest contributions of our group for possible solutions of the lithium problem.Comment: 9 pages, 7 figures, version accepted for publication. Refs. 69 and 70 added upon reques

Nuclear halo structure and pseudo-spin symmetry

Nuclear halo structure and restoration of relativistic symmetry are studied within the framework of the relativistic Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov (RHFB) theory. Giant halos as well as ordinary ones are found in Cerium isotopes close to the neutron drip line. Bridged by T=0 {channel}, the restoration of pseudo-spin symmetry (PSS) plays an essential role in stabilizing the neutron halo structures. The Fock terms, especially the $\rho$-tensor couplings, not only play significant role in the PSS restoration but also present substantial contributions to the T=0 {channel}, from which is well demonstrated the necessity of Fock terms.Comment: 5pages, 4figures, 1tabl