Periodic multi-proton transfer strength in collisions between heavy nuclei

A periodic variation of the multi-proton transfer probability as a function of the nuclear charges of the residual nuclei has been observed in collision of 238U with 110Pd and 124Sn at bombarding energies close to the Coulomb barrier. After the N=82 closed neutron shell of the light reaction partner is filled through multi-neutron transfer and an energy dissipation of about 100 MeV, transfer of pairs of protons is observed with modulated transfer strength. The proton multi-pair transfer dissipates no further energy. (orig.)