New model enhances accuracy in fusion barrier predictions for nuclear research

New model enhances accuracy in fusion barrier predictions for nuclear research
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) May 06, 2025

An international team of physicists has developed an advanced model that precisely predicts the energy thresholds critical to heavy-ion fusion reactions. By integrating the Skyrme energy density functional with reaction Q-values, the team formulated a new nucleus-nucleus potential that closely matches observed data across more than 440 fusion systems. This innovation is expected to improve experimental planning and accelerate efforts to synthesize superheavy elements.

The model, created through collaboration among researchers from Guangxi Normal University and other institutions, introduces a refined approach to calculating fusion barriers. Detailed in the journal Nuclear Science and Techniques, the model incorporates effects of nuclear deformation and reaction dynamics, achieving a root-mean-square error of just 1.53 MeV when compared with 443 measured barrier heights.

"Our approach bridges the gap between theoretical predictions and experimental data," said Prof. Ning Wang, the study's lead author. "It provides a reliable tool for designing experiments particularly the optimal incident energy aimed at creating new elements."

The model's capabilities extend to predicting capture cross sections. By employing the Siwek-Wilczynski formula in tandem with their potential, the team accurately reproduced cross-section data for both spherical and deformed nuclei, including systems like calcium-48 and uranium-238. It also clarified why reactions with chromium and nickel isotopes show lower cross sections, an insight valuable for synthesizing superheavy elements such as 119 and 120.

The findings reveal that in heavy systems, shallow capture pockets and reduced barrier radii often hinder compound nucleus formation, leading instead to quasi-fission. These conclusions help guide experimental conditions at leading facilities such as the Superheavy Element Factory, maximizing efficiency and success rates.

Balancing precision with computational feasibility, the model enables widespread analysis across thousands of potential fusion reactions. Researchers anticipate that future applications could encompass astrophysical phenomena like neutron star mergers and benefit nuclear energy and medical isotope development.

"This work not only deepens our understanding of nuclear interactions but also opens doors to exploring uncharted regions of the periodic table," added Prof. Min Liu, a co-author of the study.

Research Report:Effective nucleus-nucleus potentials for heavy-ion fusion reactions