Reaction mechanism studies using the CN/ER spin distribution

. To study basic properties of the fusion reaction dynamics for heavy compound systems the partial-wave distribution σ_ℓ can be employed as an alternative to the classically used fusion/fission excitation functions. A variety of reactions leading to compound nuclei (CN) in the Pb region can be used to investigate features like the fusion-fission competition, the role of deformation in the fusion of heavy systems and a possible effect of the Z = 82 shell on the enhancement of evaporation residue (ER) production.