Examining the effect of a binding-energy-dependent clusterization algorithm on isospin-sensitive observables in heavy-ion collisions

The phase space obtained using the isospin quantum molecular dynamical (IQMD) model is analyzed by applying the binding energy cut in the most commonly and widely used secondary cluster recognition algorithm. In addition, for the present study, the energy contribution from momentum-dependent and symmetry potentials is also included during the calculation of total binding energy, which was absent in clusterization algorithms used earlier. The stability of fragments and isospin effects are explored by using the new clusterization algorithm. The findings are summarized as follows: (1) The clusterization algorithm identifies the fragments at quite early time. (2) It is more sensitive for free nucleons and light charged particles compared to intermediate mass fragments, which results in the enhanced (reduced) production of free nucleons (light charged particles, or LCPs). (3) It has affected the yield of isospin-sensitive observables-neutrons (n), protons (p), H-3, He-3, and the single ratio [R(n/p)]-to a greater extent in the mid-rapidity and low kinetic energy region. In conclusion, the inclusion of the binding energy cut in the clusterization algorithm is found to play a crucial role in the study of isospin physics. This study will give another direction for the determination of symmetry energy in heavy-ion collisions at intermediate energies.