Effects of nuclear structure on average angular momentum in subbarrier   fusion
  We investigate the effects of nuclear quadrupole and hexadecapole couplings on the average angular momentum in sub-barrier fusion reactions. This quantity could provide a probe for nuclear shapes, distinguishing between prolate vs. oblate quadrupole and positive vs. negative hexadecapole couplings. We describe the data in the O + Sm system and discuss heavier systems where shape effects become more pronounced. 
A.B. Balantekin, J.R. Bennett, and S. Kuyucak