Statistical Models for Nuclear Decay: From Evaporation to Vaporization (Fundamental & applied nuclear physics #PNN200) Book

This book describes statistical models which are applied to the decay of atomic nuclei with emphasis on highly excited nuclei usually produced using heavy ion collisions. The first two chapters provide essential introductions to statistical mechanics and nuclear physics. The third chapter describes historical developments (beginning with the application of the Bohr hypothesis by Weisskopf in 1937) including fusion, fission, and a description of the Hauser-Festbach theory. The application of this latter theory using Monte Carlo methods is described in detail in Chapter 4. Important experimental results are presented. Succeeding chapters are devoted to nuclear decay at high excitation energies. Theories for sequential binary division, multifragmentation and finally vaporization are presented (again with reference to experimental results) in chapters 5 to 7. Chapter 8 provides a short summary with some discussion of possible paths for further research.Read More