Fusion and quasifission dynamics in the reactions Ca 48 + Bk 249 and Ti 50 + Bk 249 using a time-dependent Hartree-Fock approach

Background: Synthesis of superheavy elements (SHEs) with fusion-evaporation reactions is strongly hindered by the quasifission (QF) mechanism which prevents the formation of an equilibrated compound nucleus and which depends on the structure of the reactants. New SHEs have been recently produced with doubly-magic Ca48 beams. However, SHE synthesis experiments with single-magic Ti50 beams have so far been unsuccessful. Purpose: In connection with experimental searches for Z=117,119 superheavy elements, we perform a theoretical study of fusion and quasifission mechanisms in Ca48,Ti50+Bk249 reactions in order to investigate possible differences in reaction mechanisms induced by these two projectiles. Methods: The collision dynamics and the outcome of the reactions are studied using unrestricted time-dependent Hartree-Fock (TDHF) calculations as well as the density-constrained TDHF method to extract the nucleus-nucleus potentials and the excitation energy in each fragment. Results: Nucleus-nucleus potentials, nuclear contact times, masses and charges of the fragments, as well as their kinetic and excitation energies strongly depend on the orientation of the prolate Bk249 nucleus. Long contact times associated with fusion are observed in collisions of both projectiles with the side of the Bk249 nucleus, but not on collisions with its tip. The energy and impact parameter dependencies of the fragment properties, as well as their mass-angle and mass-total kinetic energy correlations are investigated. Conclusions: Entrance channel reaction dynamics are similar with both Ca48 and Ti50 projectiles. Both are expected to lead to the formation of a compound nucleus by fusion if they have enough energy to get in contact with the side of the Bk249 target.