Implication of compact configuration of hexadecapole deformed actinides in the synthesis of superheavy nuclei.

The quadrupole (β₂) deformed targets in the actinide region are found to be of great relevance in the production of superheavy nuclei (SHN), in the compact fusion mechanism. Recently, the application of "elongated" and "compact" configurations of pear-shape octupole (up to β₃) deformed nuclei was found to play a significant role in the fusion-fission dynamics of heavy-ion induced reactions. In the present work, we intend to explore the relevance of higher-order deformed (up to β₄) actinides and their compact configuration in the production cross-section as well as de-excitation of SHN (dynamics of ⁴⁸Ca + ²³⁸U →²⁸⁶Cn^∗ → A₁ + A₂ reaction). For the above analysis, we have calculated σ_ER within the framework of dynamical cluster-decay model developed on the basis of quantum mechanical fragmentation theory, which has been extended with the inclusion of deformations up to β₄ and corresponding compact optimum orientation. Besides, on the basis of this theory, the fragmentation structure of ²⁸⁶Cn^∗ superheavy nucleus is examined in terms of fragmentation potential (V_η) and preformation probability (P₀) as a function of fragment mass number. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]