Entrance-channel mass-asymmetry dependence of compound nucleus formation time in light heavy-ion reactions.

The entrance-channel mass-asymmetry dependence of the compound nucleus formation time in light heavyion reactions has been investigated within the framework of semiclassical dissipative collision models. The model calculations have been applied successfully to the formation of the Ar compound nucleus as populated via the Be1 Si, B1 Al, C1 Mg, and F1 F entrance channels. The shape evolution of several other light composite systems appears to be consistent with the so-called ‘‘Fusion Inhibition Factor’’ which has been observed experimentally. As found previously in more massive systems for the fusion-evaporation process, the entrance-channel mass-asymmetry degree of freedom appears to determine the competition between the different mechanisms as well as the time scales involved. @S0556-2813~96!03812-5#