We introduce a new microscopic approach to calculate the dependence of fusion barriers and cross sections on isospin dynamics. The method is based on the time-dependent Hartree–Fock theory and the isoscalar and isovector properties of the energy density functional (EDF). The contribution to the fusion barriers originating from the isoscalar and isovector parts of the EDF is calculated. It is shown that, for nonsymmetric systems, the isovector dynamics influence the subbarrier fusion cross sections. For most systems this results in an enhancement of the subbarrier cross sections, while for others we observe differing degrees of hindrance. We use this approach to provide an explanation of recently measured fusion cross sections which show a enhancement at low $E_{\mathrm{c}.\mathrm{m}.}$ energies for the system ${}^{40}\mathrm{Ca}+{}^{132}\mathrm{Sn}$ as compared with the more neutron-rich system ${}^{48}\mathrm{Ca}+{}^{132}\mathrm{Sn}$ and discuss the dependence of subbarrier fusion cross sections on transfer.

• Received 27 September 2016
• Revised 17 November 2016

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.95.011601