Signatures of Clustering and Cluster Transfer in Peripheral Collisions of 40Ar on 64Ni at 15 MeV/nucleon

Abstract

We study the momentum distributions of several projectile-like fragments resulting from the reaction of an 40Ar beam with a 64Ni target at 15 MeV/nucleon. The data, obtained at the Cyclotron Institute of Texas A&M University, refer to products corresponding to light cluster pick-up or removal. We thoroughly study the momentum distributions and the production cross sections for various cluster transfer channels. Comparisons with the Deep-Inelastic Transfer (DIT) and Constrained Molecular Dynamics (CoMD) models reveal partial agreement and an inability to fully describe the quasi–elastic part. We tentatively attribute this discrepancy as an indication of direct cluster transfer or breakup. By comparing our experimental data with appropriate models, we anticipate gaining valuable insight into the mechanisms governing clustering and cluster transfer in peripheral collisions within the Fermi energy regime.