Role of isospin composition in low energy nuclear fusion

Abstract

We employ a microscopic approach that examines the impact of isospin dynamics on the process of low energy nuclear fusion along an isotope chain and dependence on deformation. Our method utilizes the density constrained time-dependent Hartree-Fock theory (DC-TDHF), where isoscalar and isovector characteristics of the energy density functional (EDF) are examined in turn. This approach is applied to a series of fusion interactions of $^{176}$Yb with increasingly neutron rich isotopes of Calcium. By evaluating the contributions from the isoscalar and isovector components of the EDF, we look to quantify the influence of isospin composition on the conditions under which fusion is most likely to take place. Our findings reveal that, in non-symmetric systems, the isovector dynamics play a significant role. It's typical effect is a reduction in the potential barrier, which turns into enhancement for neutron-rich systems.