The Physics of Nucleus - Nucleus Fusion and Synthesis of Super Heavy Nuclei

A descriptive account is given of the “Fusion by Diffusion” theory of nucleus-nucleus amalgamation. The stress is on explaining the physical elements that go into a theory that provides a general conceptual framework for describing nucleus-nucleus fusion, but whose detailed implementation is subject to some flexibility. Despite notable successes, the theory is in need of improvements both as regards the inclusion of important physical refinements and the optimal choice of its adjustable parameter(s).