Influence of Structural Properties on Fusion Cross-Sections Using Proximity Potentials

In this study, an optimal nuclear proximity potential is used to get more accurate fusion cross-section predictions. For 111 colliding systems, we evaluate the predictive accuracy of several proximity potential models interfaced with Wong’s formula in reproducing the fusion cross-section experimental data. For the purpose of Chi-square minimization technique, Christensen and Winther 1976 potential is selected. The analysis examines fusion dynamics across a wide range of nuclear configurations (6 ≤ Zp (projectile atomic number)≤28, 6 ≤ Zt (target atomic number) ≤94, and 36 ≤ Zp Zt ≤ 1880). To increase accuracy and match experimental data, a Python code that calculates cross-sections for all proximity potentials is established using the Nelder–Mead algorithm. The extensive range of calculations facilitates a systematic study of the effects of structural factors, including magic numbers, shell structure, neutron excess, and pairing effect. The results reveal that shell effects can sometimes overcome neutron excess and produce unexpected fusion trends, as seen in the 28Si + 90Zr and 28Si + 94Zr. In other reactions, the shell effect eliminated the effect of the neutron excess, such as in the 16O + 62Ni versus 16O + 58Ni and 12C + 208Pb versus 12C + 204Pb reactions. Our findings also highlighted the important role of the projectile in the process of fusion. The titanium isotopes (46Ti, 50Ti) in particular fused more effectively with 12C than with 16O. Nickel isotopes show similar projectiledependent behavior.