Exploring Fusion at Extreme Sub-Barrier Energies with Weakly Bound Nuclei

Abstract

Results of measurement of residues formed in fusion of (6)Li with (198)Pt in the energy range of 0.68 < E/V(b) < 1.3 using a new sensitive off-beam technique are reported. The fusion excitation function and the derived average angular momenta do not indicate a change of slope at deep sub-barrier energies, contrary to recent observations. The present results for a system with weakly bound projectile confront the current understanding of the fusion hindrance at these low energies, underlying the role of internal reorganization on the dynamical path towards fusion.