The yields of over 200 projectile-like fragments (PLFs) and target-like fragments (TLFs) from the interaction of (E$_{c.m.}$=450 MeV) $^{136}$Xe with a thick target of $^{208}$Pb were measured using Gammasphere and off-line $gamma$-ray spectroscopy,
giving a comprehensive picture of the production cross sections in this reaction.The measured yields were compared to predictions of the GRAZING model and the predictions of Zagrebaev and Greiner using a quantitative metric, the theory evaluation factor, {bf tef}. The GRAZING model predictions are adequate for describing the yields of nuclei near the target or projectile but grossly underestimate the yields of all other products. The predictions of Zagrebaev and Greiner correctly describe the magnitude and maxima of the observed TLF transfer cross sections for a wide range of transfers ($Delta$Z = -8 to $Delta$Z = +2). However for $Delta$Z =+4, the observed position of the maximum in the distribution is four neutrons richer than the predicted maximum. The predicted yields of the neutron-rich N=126 nuclei exceed the measured values by two orders of magnitude. Correlations between TLF and PLF yields are discussed.
We suggest a small set of fission observables to be used as test cases for validation of theoretical calculations. The purpose is to provide common data to facilitate the comparison of different fission theories and models. The proposed observables a
re chosen from fission barriers, spontaneous fission lifetimes, fission yield characteristics, and fission isomer excitation energies.
We have studied the fission-neutron emission competition in highly excited $^{274}$Hs (Z=108) (where the fission barrier is due to shell effects) formed by a hot fusion reaction. Matching cross bombardments ($^{26}$Mg + $^{248}$Cm and $^{25}$Mg + $^{
248}$Cm) were used to identify the properties of first chance fission of $^{274}$Hs. A Harding-Farley analysis of the fission neutrons emitted in the $^{25,26}$Mg + $^{248}$Cm was performed to identify the pre- and post-scission components of the neutron multiplicities in each system. ($Gamma$$_{n}$/$Gamma$$_{t}$) for the first chance fission of $^{274}$Hs (E$^{ast}$ = 63 MeV) is 0.89 $pm$ 0.13, i.e., $sim$ 90 $%$ of the highly excited nuclei survive.The high value of that survival probability is due to dissipative effects during de-excitation. A proper description of the survival probabilities of excited superheavy nuclei formed in hot fusion reactions requires consideration of both dynamic and static (shell-related) effects.
Background: The cross section for forming a heavy evaporation residue in fusion reactions depends on the capture cross section, the fusion probability, PCN, i.e., the probability that the projectile-target system will evolve inside the fission saddle
point to form a completely fused system rather than re-separating (quasifission), and the survival of the completely fused system against fission. PCN is the least known of these quantities. Purpose: To measure PCN for the reaction of 101.2 MeV 18O, 147.3 MeV 26Mg, 170.9 MeV 30Si and 195.3 MeV 36S with 197Au. Methods: We measured the fission fragment angular distributions for these reactions and used the formalism of Back to deduce the fusion-fission and quasifission cross sections. From these quantities we deduced PCN for each reaction. Results: The values of PCN for the reaction of 101.2 MeV 18O, 147.3 MeV 26Mg, 170.9 MeV 30Si and 195.3 MeV 36S with 197Au are 0.66, 1.00, 0.06, 0.13, respectively. Conclusions: The new measured values of PCN agree roughly with the semi-empirical system- atic dependence of PCN upon fissility for excited nuclei.
The general properties needed in targets (sources) for high precision, high accuracy measurements are reviewed. The application of these principles to the problem of developing targets for the Fission TPC is described. Longer term issues, such as the
availability of actinide materials, improved knowledge of energy losses and straggling and the stability of targets during irradiation are also discussed.
Background: 11Li is one of the most studied halo nuclei. The fusion of 11Li with 208Pb has been the subject of a number of theoretical studies with widely differing predictions, ranging over four orders of magnitude, for the fusion excitation functio
n. Purpose: To measure the excitation function for the 11Li + 208Pb reaction. Methods: A stacked foil/degrader assembly of 208Pb targets was irradiated with a 11Li beam producing center of target beam energies from above barrier to near barrier energies (40 to 29 MeV). The intensity of the 11Li beam (chopped) was 1250 p/s and the beam on-target time was 34 hours. The alpha-decay of the stopped evaporation residues was detected in a alpha-detector array at each beam energy in the beam-off period (the beam was on for <= 5 ns and then off for 170 ns). Results: The 215At evaporation residues were associated with the fusion of 11Li with 208Pb. The 213,214At evaporation residues were formed by the breakup of 11Li into 9Li + 2n, with the 9Li fusing with 208Pb. The 214At evaporation residue appears to result from a quasi-breakup process. Conclusions: Most of 11Li + 208Pb interactions lead to breakup with a small fraction (<= 11%) leading to complete fusion.
