Importance of geometrical corrections to fusion barrier calculations for deformed nuclei

In conventional calculations of fusion cross sections and barrier distributions, the nuclear potential is determined along the line joining the centers of the two nuclei. For deformed nuclei of finite size, this does not correspond to the minimum distance between the nuclear surfaces. Calculations are made using the minimum distance as the argument of the internucleus nuclear potential. The surface curvature correction to this potential is also included. These geometrical effects significantly change the near-barrier fusion cross sections and the shape of the barrier distribution