New challenges in understanding heavy ion fusion

Advances enabling precision measurements of fusion cross-sections, and the development of realistic theoretical models, have together resulted in considerable progress being made towards understanding fusion involving heavy nuclei (Z1Z2⩾400). However, discrepancies between measurements and predictions are becoming evident when a consistent description of the various reaction processes is sought. Even the process of fusion spanning energies well below to well above the barrier cannot be consistently explained by the commonly used coupled channels model. The inadequacy of our current understanding, and the need for a re-examination of the assumptions in the current models of fusion is discussed.