Equilibration chronometry in two and three bodies dynamically deformed nuclear systems.

We studied neutron-proton (NZ) equilibration in heavy-ion reactions as function of time. Heavy-ion collisions below the balance energy create a neutron-rich neck zone at the expense of the projectile and target. The neck ruptures multiple times as the reaction partners re-separate, with measurable delays between ruptures. We studied the composition of the two and three largest daughters of the deformed projectile-like fragment (PLF*). 

Two fragments which are initially dissimilar in NZ composition converge exponentially with consistent rate constants across a wide variety of reaction partners and systems, indicating the equilibration follows first order kinetics. The equilibration chronometry method is robust with respect to the impact of secondary evaporation, background of statistical fragment production and alternative choices of alignment angle definition. To add constraints on the nuclear equation of state we explored how these measurements compare to dynamical transport model calculations.

Additionally we studied the three fragments break-up of the PLF* to answer interrogantes regarding simultaneous or double rupture scenario, if the third largest daughter of the PLF* separates first or not, and if the three fragments are aligned in a string of pearls configuration.