Theoretical estimation of synthesizing superheavy nuclei using neutron rich targets

Kindai Univ, Higashiosaka city, Japan

Published online: 18 October 2024

Abstract

The next double magic nucleus after the double magic nucleus lead (²⁰⁸Pb) proton number Z=82 and neutron number N=126 is predicted to be flerovium ²⁹⁸Fl, Z=114 and N=184, and “Island of Stability” around this nucleus is predicted in the nuclear chart. In the synthesis of new elements, it was assumed that the projectile and target nuclei used in the experiments would be stable nuclei. In particular, it was experimentally impossible to use unstable nuclei as target nuclei. Therefore, it was considered difficult to synthesize nuclei on Island of Stability because of the insufficient number of neutrons when it came to fusion between stable nuclei. To approaching Island of Stability, it is necessary to use unstable nuclei with an excess of neutrons. However, until now there has been no method to achieve this. Recently, a new method of colliding unstable nuclei has been planned. It has also been reported that neutron-rich nuclei in the superheavy mass region have lower neutron binding energy than stable nuclei and lower temperature due to neutron emission more quickly, resulting in a high survival probability even at medium and high excitation energies. The goal of this study is to create and analyze neutron emission and mass distribution of fission fragments in the superheavy mass region using the statistical and the dynamical model. In addition, we present the results of calculations using neutron-rich nuclei.