Nuclear Heavy-ion Reactions in Stellar Fusion

This project will develop the quantum mechanical theories needed to describe the complex processes in stellar fusion reaction such as 12C + 12C. Studying such reactions is key to understand carbon burning in massive stars in pre-supernova phase. The fusion of 12C + 12C is characterized by resonant enhancement, in due part to molecular states in the 12C + 12C system. Recent work by the Surrey group (Phys. Rev. C 97, 055802) has demonstrated the applicability of a time-dependent wave packet approach to explaining some of the resonance behaviour. In this project, we will combine this approach with a fully microscopic theory (time-dependent generator coordinate method) to refine our understanding, and include clustering effects. By linking the more microscopic theory to the computationally-efficient wave packet method, we will be able to apply the theory to nuclei far from stability