Semiclassical nucleation theory for the cluster formation in nuclear matter

We investigate the dynamical formation of clusters in nuclear matter. The model is based on classical nucleation theory and describes the time evolution of clusters by repeated condensation and evaporation of nucleons. We numerically calculate the growth of clusters with A≤10 at temperatures of T=2 MeV and T=6 MeV and densities of ρ=0.01 fm-3 and ρ=0.05 fm-3. Equilibration times are rather long, 30-100 fm/c, and it is unlikely that clusters with A≥10 observed in heavy-ion collisions arise from the nucleation process. (orig.)