Coupled-channels fusion calculations forNi58+Ni58

Abstract
Fusion calculations are carried out for Ni58+Ni58 using the coupled-channels scattering formalism with an ingoing-wave boundary condition. The enhancement of the sub-barrier cross section due to couplings to inelastic excitation channels is studied and compared to simple, analytical estimates. At energies above the barrier the combined Coulomb-nuclear interaction significantly alters the distribution of angular momentum absorbed by the compound nucleus.