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Advancements in Understanding Multinucleon Transfer Reactions
Recent research has introduced a novel model grounded in the Langevin equation that significantly enhances our understanding of the formation of exotic nuclei. This advance holds the potential to improve the production of rare isotopes that are crucial for a variety of scientific and medical applications.
The findings are detailed in an article published in the journal Nuclear Science and Techniques.
Under the guidance of Professor Feng-Shou Zhang, a research team has employed this model to explore multinucleon transfer (MNT) processes that occur during heavy-ion collisions. The model provides an enhanced comprehension of energy dissipation processes in these collisions, an essential factor in predicting outcomes of nuclear reactions. Notably, simulations involving notable reactions such as 40Ar + 232Th, 136Xe + 238U, and 136Xe + 209Bi reveal strong concordance between the model’s predictions for cross-sections and angular distributions with experimental data.
Modeling the intricate processes of nuclear reactions, especially those leading to the formation of exotic nuclei, poses substantial challenges. Traditional techniques such as projectile fragmentation and fusion-evaporation often fall short when it comes to synthesizing new transuranium elements and superheavy nuclei.
This new model addresses these challenges by streamlining the computational process, minimizing adjustable parameters, and concentrating on essential physical interactions. It efficiently simulates energy and scattering angle distributions, thereby providing insights into deep inelastic and quasi-fission processes.
Insights into Nuclear Dynamics
The research includes simulated trajectories for collisions, illustrating the evolutionary characteristics of total kinetic energy (TKE), elongation, and mass of the resultant heavier nucleus. For example, in the case of the 40Ar + 232Th collision at Elab = 388 MeV, the trajectories demonstrate the complexities involved in the energy distribution during these highly energetic interactions.
Additions to the model also allow for a better examination of the collective coordinates that define the shape evolution of nuclear systems during collisions. This advancement equips researchers with a potent tool to analyze how nuclei behave under varying conditions.
The Impact on Isotope Production
The increased precision in predicting outcomes of MNT reactions has significant implications for isotope production, especially for those that are otherwise difficult to obtain using traditional methodologies. The application of these hard-to-generate isotopes spans various fields, including medical diagnostics and treatment strategies.
According to Professor Zhang, the aim is to develop a model that balances comprehensiveness with practicality, fostering its integration into experimental frameworks.
This research marks a noteworthy milestone in the domain of nuclear physics, enhancing our grasp of exotic nuclei production through MNT reactions. Ongoing refinements of the model are expected to bolster its effectiveness in informing future studies and refining methods for rare isotope production.
The collaborative efforts behind this groundbreaking research include contributions from Beijing Normal University, Beijing Academy of Science and Technology, and the National Laboratory of Heavy Ion Accelerator of Lanzhou.
More information: Ying Zou et al, Investigation of multinucleon transfer processes in the Langevin equation model, Nuclear Science and Techniques (2024). DOI: 10.1007/s41365-024-01557-4
Citation: New insights into exotic nuclei creation using Langevin equation model (2024, September 30) retrieved 30 September 2024 from Phys.org
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