Fusion oscillations for symmetric light heavy-ion systems

The low-energy fusion cross section for 20Ne+20Ne has been measured. The data extend the systematics on fusion oscillations for such light symmetric systems. A simple extension of the usual barrier penetration model displays the decisive role of the symmetrisation of the system. It is also capable of qualitatively explaining the trends in this effect, in particular its decreasing importance as the mass of the system increases. The structure is essentially due to the sharpness of the cut-off of transmission coefficients as a function of angular momentum. The curvature of the Coulomb barrier is important in determining these coefficients and it is shown that the required values of this quantity are consistent with reasonable values of the surface diffuseness of the nuclear potential. (orig.)