Abstract

HOFMANN, Sigurd. Study of superheavy elements. Nucleus [online]. 2007, n.42, pp. 51-55. ISSN 0864-084X.

ABSTRACT The nuclear shell model predicts that the next doubly magic shell-closure beyond 208Pb is at a proton number Z = 114, 120, or 126 and at a neutron number N = 172 or 184. The outstanding aim of experimental investigations is the exploration of this region of spherical ‘SuperHeavy Elements’ (SHEs). Experimental methods are described, which allowed for the identification of elements produced on a cross-section level of about 1 pb. The decay data reveal that for the heaviest elements, the dominant decay mode is alpha emission, not fission. Decay properties as well as reaction cross-sections are compared with results of theoretical investigations.

Keywords : lead 208; neutrons; protons; reaction kinetics; shell models; transactinide element.

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