Dynamics of Nuclear Fusion: Evolution Through a Complex Multi-Dimensional Landscape

The key questions in the fusion of heavy nuclei form an interlocking puzzle, which can be resolved using our recently developed analysis concepts and measurement techniques. The newly completed, unique, and highly efficient superconducting fusion product separator, together with Australian's Heavy Ion Accelerator, will be used to unlock the puzzle and reveal how fusing nuclei evolve in a multi-dimensional landscape. This will impact on the emerging fields of superheavy element formation, physics with rare isotope beams, and on coupling-assisted quantum tunnelling. This project will maintain Australia's world-leading position in the current race to develop a quantitative understanding of fusion.