Discovery of the Heaviest Elements

The search for new superheavy elements (SHEs) is at present one of the most exciting adventures in nuclear physics. Thanks to enhanced experimental techniques, the synthesis of elements Z=113 to 118 in reactions using ⁴⁸Ca projectiles and targets made of isotopes of the elements neptunium to californium has been claimed. Discovery of the elements Z=114 (named flerovium) and Z=116 (named livermorium) has been accepted by the IUPAC. The others are waiting. The situation for element 113 is particular; here claims on discovery come from groups from RIKEN, Wako, Saitama, Japan and FLNR‐JINR, Dubna, Russia.