C. Simenel

Nuclear quantum many-body dynamics

A summary of recent researches on nuclear dynamics with realistic microscopic quantum approaches is presented. The Balian-Vénéroni variational principle is used to derive the time-dependent Hartree-Fock (TDHF) equation describing the dynamics at the mean-field level, as well as an extension including small-amplitude quantum fluctuations which is equivalent to the time-dependent random-phase approximation (TDRPA). Such formalisms as well as their practical implementation in the nuclear physics framework with modern three-dimensional codes are discussed. Recent applications to nuclear dynamics, from collective vibrations to heavy-ion collisions are presented. Particular attention is devoted to the interplay between collective motions and internal degrees of freedom. For instance, the harmonic nature of collective vibrations is questioned. Nuclei are also known to exhibit superfluidity due to pairing residual interaction. Extensions of the theoretical approach to study such pairing vibrations are now available. Large amplitude collective motions are investigated in the framework of heavy-ion collisions leading, for instance, to the formation of a compound system. How fusion is affected by the internal structure of the collision partners, such as their deformation, is discussed. Other mechanisms in competition with fusion, and responsible for the formation of fragments which differ from the entrance channel (transfer reactions, deep-inelastic collisions, and quasi-fission) are investigated. Finally, studies of actinide collisions forming, during very short times of few zeptoseconds, the heaviest nuclear systems available on Earth, are presented.

Particle transfer reactions with the time-dependent Hartree-Fock theory using a particle number projection technique.

A particle-number projection technique is used to calculate transfer probabilities in the 16O+208Pb reaction below the fusion barrier. The time evolution of the many-body wave function is obtained with the time-dependent Hartree-Fock (TDHF) mean-field theory. The agreement with experimental data for the sum of the proton-transfer channels is good, considering that TDHF has no parameter adjusted on the reaction mechanism. Some perspectives for extensions beyond TDHF to include cluster transfers are discussed.

Formation and dynamics of fission fragments

Although the overall time scale for nuclear fission is long, suggesting a slow process, rapid shape evolution occurs in its later stages near scission. Theoretical prediction of the fission fragments and their characteristics are often based on the assumption that the internal degrees of freedom are equilibrated along the fission path. However, this adiabatic approximation may break down near scission. This is studied for the symmetric fission of

Influence of entrance-channel magicity and isospin on quasi-fission

{}^{258,264}

Particle-number fluctuations and correlations in transfer reactions obtained using the Balian-Vénéroni variational principle

Fm. The nonadiabatic evolution is computed using the time-dependent Hartree-Fock method, starting from an adiabatic configuration where the fragments have acquired their identity. It is shown that dynamics has an important effect on the kinetic and excitation energies of the fragments. The vibrational modes of the fragments in the post-scission evolution are also analyzed.

Quantum Calculation of the Dipole Excitation in Fusion Reactions

The role of spherical quantum shells in the competition between fusion and quasi-fission is studied for reactions forming heavy elements. Measurements of fission fragment mass distributions for different reactions leading to similar compound nuclei have been made near the fusion barrier. In general, more quasi-fission is observed for reactions with non-magic nuclei. However, the

Microscopic approach to coupled-channels effects on fusion

^{40}

Pairing vibrations study with the time-dependent Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov theory

Ca+

Collision Dynamics of Two 238 U Atomic Nuclei

^{208}

Energy dependence of potential barriers and its effect on fusion cross sections

Pb reaction is an exception, showing strong evidence for quasi-fission, though both nuclei are doubly magic. Time-dependent Hartree-Fock calculations predict fast equilibration of