Reaction dynamics of synthesis of superheavy elements

Based on the theory of the compound nucleus reaction, a brief review is given on the special aspects of the reaction dynamics in the synthesis of the superheavy elements (SHE), where the fusion probability is the most unknown factor. A new viewpoint of the fusion reaction is proposed that it consists of two processes; the first process up to the contact of two nuclei of the incident channel and the second one of a dynamical evolution to the spherical compound nucleus from the contact configuration. The fusion probability is, thus, given as a product of a contact probability and a formation probability. Analytic studies of the latter probability are discussed in the one-dimensional model, where a simple expression is given to the so-called extra-push energy in terms of the reduced friction, the curvature parameter of the conditional saddle point and the nuclear temperature. Preliminary results of numerical analyses of the contact probability are given, using the surface friction model (SFM). Remarks are given on the present status of our knowledge and for future developments. Received: 1 May 2001 / Accepted: 4 December 2001