Parameterization of the nuclear level density at energies above 100 MeV

Abstract

The intensive studies of equilibration processes in heavy ion reactions have produced a need for information on nuclear level densities at high energies. In a recent paper, it was concluded that standard Fermi gas formulas will be incorrect by exponential factors at energies above 100 MeV. Exact calculations of the nuclear level density in bases as large as 10³⁸ have been made and are compared with Fermi gas formulas. Two possible alternative forms are considered. Both forms produce much better agreement at high energies than does the Fermi gas model. All calculations reported are for non-interacting Fermions, but the effects expected from the two-body interaction are briefly examined. These considerations have consequences not only in heavy ion physics but also in astrophysics.