Low-energy reaction dynamics of light few-body exotic nuclei

Lead Research Organisation: University of Surrey
Department Name: Physics

Abstract

I have been appointed as Senior Lecturer in Theoretical Nuclear Physics at the University of Surrey from September 1st, 2016. I need financial support for carrying out my research until September 30th, 2017, when the new Consolidated Grant begins. I request in total £6k for buying a new laptop (£1.5k) and paying for my participation in conferences and workshops (£4.5k). I propose novel theoretical studies of low-energy reaction dynamics of light few-body exotic nuclei. These will be based on time-dependent wave-packet dynamics, which will provide cross sections of strongly competing reaction processes. The approach gives a comprehensive, intuitive description of the reaction dynamics, overcoming limitations of existing models. The work will both exploit and motivate new measurements led by the Surrey group in new generation facilities.

Planned Impact

The approach gives a comprehensive, intuitive description of the reaction dynamics, overcoming limitations of existing models. The work will both exploit and motivate new measurements led by the Surrey group in new generation facilities.
 
Description - The competition among reaction processes of an exotic nucleus has been traced by using a two-center molecular continuum basis.
- Insights into the low-energy reaction dynamics induced by the exotic nucleus 17F on the 58Ni target have been provided.
- Measurements of isomeric cross-section ratios for 94Tc have correctly been interpreted, confirming the fusion mechanisms of weakly bound nuclei.
- Important effects of clusters and resonances in carbon burning reactions in nuclear astrophysics.
- Important effects of non-conventional breakup modes on incomplete fusion of weakly bound nuclei.
- A novel quantum mechanical method for describing heavy ion fusion reactions has been developed, which is based on coupled-channel wave-packet dynamics.
- A novel semi-classical approach to incomplete fusion of complex nuclei at low energies has been suggested.
Exploitation Route My findings provide useful insights into fusion mechanism of heavy ions and weakly bound nuclei.
Sectors Education,Energy