Neutron excess in analytical expressions for fusion barrier parameters

The neutron excess dependence of heavy-ion fusion barriers is investigated, guided by predictions of different ion-ion potentials. We develop phenomenological expressions for the fusion barrier radii and heights, involving both the entrance channel mass asymmetry and neutron excess of the projectile and target. Compared to commonly used formulas, the developed expressions reproduce theoretical barrier parameters with a higher accuracy. Furthermore, they provide a means to assess the importance of the neutron excess degree of freedom implied by each potential.Received: 1 April 2003, Revised: 31 January 2004, Published online: 10 August 2004PACS: 24.10.-i Nuclear reaction models and methods - 25.70.-z Low and intermediate energy heavy-ion reactions - 25.70.Jj Fusion and fusion-fission reactions - 25.60.Pj Fusion reactions