Time-dependent mean-field investigations of the quasifission process

We demonstrate that the microscopic Time-dependent Hartree-Fock (TDHF) theory provides an important approach to shed light on the nuclear dynamics leading to the formation of superheavy elements. In particular, we discuss studying quasifission dynamics and calculating ingredients for compound nucleus formation probability calculations. We also discuss possible extensions to TDHF to address the distribution of observables.Comment: Proceedings of a talk given at FUSION17, Hobart, Tasmania, AU (20-24 February, 2017

Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov Calculations in Coordinate Space: Neutron-Rich Sulfur, Zirconium, Cerium, and Samarium Isotopes

Using the Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov (HFB) mean field theory in coordinate space, we investigate ground state properties of the sulfur isotopes from the line of stability up to the two-neutron dripline ($^{34-52}S$). In particular, we calculate two-neutron separation energies, quadrupole moments, and rms-radii for protons and neutrons. Evidence for shape coexistence is found in the very neutron-rich sulfur isotopes. We compare our calculations with results from relativistic mean field theory and with available experimental data. We also study the properties of neutron-rich zirconium ($^{102,104}Zr$), cerium ($^{152}Ce$), and samarium ($^{158,160}Sm$) isotopes which exhibit very large prolate quadrupole deformations.Comment: 7 pages, 6 figures, 2 tables submitted to Phys. Rev.

TDHF investigations of the U+U quasifission process

The use of actinide collisions have been suggested as a way to produce neutron rich isotopes of high Z nuclei. The collision dynamics of these reactions can be studied using unrestricted time-dependent Hartree-Fock (TDHF) calculations. Here, we report on the recent studies of quasifission for the $^{238}$U+$^{238}$U system.Comment: Presented at the XXXV Mazurian Lakes Conference on Physics, Piaski, Poland, September 3-9, 2017

Formation and dynamics of fission fragments

Although the overall time-scale for nuclear fission is long, suggesting a slow process, rapid shape evolution occurs in its later stages near scission. Theoretical prediction of the fission fragments and their characteristics are often based on the assumption that the internal degrees of freedom are equilibrated along the fission path. However, this adiabatic approximation may break down near scission. This is studied for the symmetric fission of $^{258,264}$Fm. The non-adiabatic evolution is computed using the time-dependent Hartree-Fock method, starting from an adiabatic configuration where the fragments have acquired their identity. It is shown that dynamics has an important effect on the kinetic and excitation energies of the fragments. The vibrational modes of the fragments in the post-scission evolution are also analyzed.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figures. Accepted for publication in Phys. Rev. C - Rapid Communitatio

Microscopic DC-TDHF study of heavy-ion potentials and fusion cross sections

We study heavy-ion fusion reactions at energies near the Coulomb barrier, in particular with neutron-rich radioactive ion beams. Dynamic microscopic calculations are carried out on a three-dimensional lattice using the Density-Constrained Time-Dependent Hartree-Fock (DC-TDHF) method. New results are presented for the $^{132}$Sn+$^{40}$Ca system which are compared to $^{132}$Sn+$^{48}$Ca studied earlier. Our theoretical fusion cross-sections agree surprisingly well with recent data measured at HRIBF. We also study the near- and sub-barrier fusion of $^{24,16}$O on $^{12}$C which is important to determine the composition and heating of the crust of accreting neutron stars.Comment: Talk given by . Volker E. Oberacker at the 11th International Conference on Nucleus-Nucleus Collisions (NN2012), San Antonio, Texas, USA, May 27-June 1, 2012. To appear in the NN2012 Proceedings in Journal of Physics: Conference Series (JPCS

64^{64}Ni+64^{64}Ni fusion reaction calculated with the density-constrained time-dependent Hartree-Fock formalism

We study fusion reactions of the $^{64}$Ni+$^{64}$Ni system using the density-constrained time-dependent Hartree-Fock (TDHF) formalism. In this formalism the fusion barriers are directly obtained from TDHF dynamics. In addition, we incorporate the entrance channel alignments of the slightly deformed (oblate) $^{64}$Ni nuclei due to dynamical Coulomb excitation. We show that alignment leads to a fusion barrier distribution and alters the naive picture for defining which energies are actually sub-barrier. We also show that core polarization effects could play a significant role in fusion cross section calculations.Comment: 7 pages, 6 figure

Time-Dependent Response Calculations of Nuclear Resonances

A new alternate method for evaluating linear response theory is formally developed, and results are presented. This method involves the time-evolution of the system using TDHF and is constructed directly on top of a static Hartree-Fock calculation. By Fourier transforming the time-dependent result the response function and the total probability amplitude are extracted. This method allows for a coherent description of static properties of nuclei, such as binding energies and deformations, while also providing a method for calculating collective modes and reaction rates. A full 3-D Cartesian Basis-Spline collocation representation is used with several Skyrme interactions. Sample results are presented for the giant multipole resonances of 16O, 40Ca, and 32S and compared to other calculations.Comment: 8 pages, 7 figures, submitted to Phys. Rev.