Description of sub-barrier heavy ion fusion in a semiclassical quantum tunneling model

In this paper we apply the semiclassical method based on the Feynman path integral formalism to sub-barrier fusion of heavy nuclei. Cross sections are calculated and compared to experimental data and to coupled-channel calculations for different mass systems: ³²S+²⁴Mg, ⁵⁸Ni+⁶⁴Ni, and ¹⁶O+²⁰⁸Pb. The semiclassical method and coupled-channel calculations give comparable results. It is found that the coupling produces a renormalization of the barrier that is responsible for the enhancement of sub-barrier fusion cross sections and a dissipative force along the classical tunneling path. © 1996 The American Physical Society.