Alpha Decay, Shell Structure, and New Elements

We systematically analyze the experimental data of alpha decay in even-even heavy nuclei far from stabilityand find that the Geiger-Nuttall law breaks for an isotopic chain when its neutron number is across a magic numberor there is a deformed subshell. This break can be used to identify new magic numbers of superheavy nuclei. It is alsodiscovered that there is a new linear relation between the logarithm of half-life and the reciprocal of the square root ofdecay energy for N = 126 and N = 152 isotones. It could be a new law of alpha decay for nuclei with magic neutronnumbers but the physics behind it is to be explored. The significance of these researches for the search of new elementsis discussed.     

利用有效液滴模型对超重元素α衰变半衰期的研究

利用有效液滴模型计算了偶偶超重核的α衰变半衰期,计算过程中采用了保持碎片体积守恒的不对称形状描述以及有效惯性系数计算Gamow势垒穿透因子.首先在质子数Z为88—98的区域检验了有效液滴模型,发现计算结果与实验符合得比较好.随后将此模型推广到Z≥100的情况,虽然只用了两个模型参数,计算结果与实验数据符合,说明有效液滴模型是计算偶偶超重核素α衰变半衰期的一个成功模型.     

Systematic Study on Alpha Decay Half-Lives of Superheavy Nuclei

The α-decay half-lives of a set of superheavy nuclear isotope chain from Z = 105 to 120 have been analyzed systematically within the WKB method, and some nuclear structure features are found. The decay barriers have been determined in the quasi-molecular shape path within the Generalized Liquid Drop Model (GLDM) including the proximity effects between nucleons in a neck and the mass and charge asymmetry. The results are in reasonable agreement with the published experimental data for the alpha decay half-lives of isotopes of charge 112, 114, and 116, of the element 294118 and of some decay products. A comparison of present calculations with the results by the DDM3Y effective interaction and by the Viola-Seaborg-Sobiczewski (VSS) formulae is also made. The experimental α decay half lives all stand in between the GLDM calculations and VSS formula results. This demonstrates the possibility of these models to provide reasonable estimates for the half-lives of nuclear decays by α emissions for the domain of SHN. The half-lives of these new nuclei are thus well tested from the reasonable consistence of the macroscopic, the microscopic, the empirical formulae and the experimental data. This also shows that the present data of SHN themselves are consistent.It could suggest that the present experimental claims on the existence of new elements Z = 110 ～ 118 are reliable.It is expected that greater deviations of a few SHN between the data and the model may be eliminated by further improvements on the precision of the measurements.     

Systematic Study on Alpha Decay Half-Lives of Superheavy Nuclei

The α-decay half-lives of a set of superheavy nuclear isotope chain from Z = 105 to 120 have been analyzed systematically within the WKB method, and some nuclear structure features are found. The decay barriers have been determined in the quasi-molecular shape path within the Generalized Liquid Drop Model （GLDM） including the proximity effects between nucleons in a neck and the mass and charge asymmetry. The results are in reasonable agreement with the published experimental data for the alpha decay half-llves of isotopes of charge 112, 114, and 116, of the element 294118 and of some decay products. A comparison of present calculations with the results by the DDM3Y effective interaction and by the Viola-Seaborg-Sobiczewski （VSS） formulae is also made. The experimental a decay half lives all stand in between the GLDM calculations and VSS formula results. This demonstrates the possibility of these models to provide reasonable estimates for the half-lives of nuclear decays by a emissions for the domain of SHN. The half-lives of these new nuclei are thus well tested from the reasonable consistence of the macroscopic, the microscopic, the empirical formulae and the experimental data. This also shows that the present data of SHN themselves are consistent. It could suggest that the present experimental claims on the existence of new elements Z =110 - 118 are reliable. It is expected that greater deviations of a few SHN between the data and the model may be eliminated by further improvements on the precision of the measurements.     

可能合成的超重核的alpha衰变能和半衰期

本文考察和研究了将来可能在实验上合成的超重新元素和新核素的基态性质。研究的重点主要放在原子核的alpha衰变能和半衰期。详细比较和讨论了不同理论模型计算的alpha衰变能和半衰期。通过这些计算和比较,从理论上提出了将来在实验上比较容易合成的超重新元素和新核素的性质。理论计算结果可为将来的超重核实验提供理论参考。     

Alpha decay energies and half-lives for possibly synthesized superheavy elements

We investigate the ground state properties of some superheavy nuclei, which may be synthesized in future experiments. Special emphases are placed on the alpha decay energies and half-lives. The alpha decay energies and half-lives from different theoretical models are compared and discussed comprehensively. Through these calculations and comparisons, the optimal superheavy elements to be synthesized in future experiments are proposed theoretically.     

Research on some superheavy nuclei

Studies on some superheavy nuclei are performed. The α decay energies are calculated by an improved local binding energy formula, and the α decay half-lives are calculated by the Viola-Seaborg formula. Good agreements between theoretical and experimental results are reached.     

Research on some superheavy nuclei

Studies on some superheavy nuclei are performed. The α decay energies are calculated by an improved local binding energy formula, and the α decay half-lives are calculated by the Viola-Seaborg formula. Good agreements between theoretical and experimental results are reached.     

Alpha Decay Half-Lives of Some Nuclei from Ground State to Ground State with Yukawa Proximity Potential

We study the half-lives of some nuclei via the alpha-decay process from ground state to ground state. To go through the problem, we have considered a potential model with Yukawa proximity potential and have thereby calculated the half-lives. The comparison with the existing data is motivating.     

Alpha Decay Half-Lives of Some Nuclei from Ground State to Ground State with Yukawa Proximity Potential

We study the half-lives of some nuclei via the alpha-decay process from ground state to ground state. To go through the problem, we have considered a potential model with Yukawa proximity potential and have thereby calculated the half-lives. The comparison with the existing data is motivating.     

Alpha Decay as a Probe of the Structure of Neutron-deficient Nuclei Around Z =82

In this contribution I would like to review briefly our recent studies on nuclear α formation probabilities in heavy nuclei and their indication on the underlying structure of the nuclei involved. In particular, I will show that the empirical α-formation probabilities, which can be extracted from experimental half-lives, exhibit a rather smooth function with changing proton or neutron numbers. This allows us to distinguish the role played by pairing collectivity in the clustering process. The sudden hindrance of the clustering of the nucleons around the N = 126 shell closure is due to the fact that the configuration space does not allow a proper manifestation of the pairing collectivity. The influence of the Z = 82 shell closure on the α formation properties will also be discussed. Moreover, we have evaluated the α-decay fine structure to excited 0+ states in Hg and Rn isotopes as well as the α-decay from the excited 0+ states in the mother nucleus. It is thus found that the α decay is sensitive to the mixture of configurations corresponding to different nuclear shapes.     

Alpha Decay Half-Lives of New Superheavy Elements through Quasimolecular Shapes

The lifetimes of a decays of the recently produced isotopes of the elements 112, 114, 116 and the element ^294118 and of some decay products have been calculated theoretically within the Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin approximation. The a decay barriers have been determined in the quasimolecular shape path within a generalized liquid drop model including the proximity effects between nuclei in a neck, the mass and charge asymmetry and the precise nuclear radius. These calculations provide reasonable estimates for the observed a decay lifetimes. The calculated results have been compared with the results of the density-dependent M3Y effective interaction and the experimental data. It is indicated that the theoretical foundation of the generalized liquid drop model is as good as that of the microscopic DDM3Y model, at least in the sense of predicting the T1/2 values as long as one uses a correct a decay energy. The half lives of these new nuclei are well tested from the consistence of the macroscopic, the microscopic and the experimental data.     

超重核的壳结构

在相对论连续谱Hartree Bogoliubov(RCHB)理论框架下,在质子数Z=100—140和中子数N=Z+30—2Z+32等偶偶核中进行了超重球形双幻核的探索.采用的有效相互作用为NL1,NL3,NLSH,TM1,TW 99,DD ME1,PK1和PK1R.基于对双核子分离能(S2p和S2n)、双核子能隙(δ2p和δ2n)、壳修正能量(Epshell)、对能(Eppair和Enpair)和有效对能隙(Δp和Δn)等物理量和能shell和En级结构的分析,预言了可能的质子幻数和中子幻数,并观察到在超重核区壳的弱化现象. The magic proton and neutron numbers are searched in the superheavy region with proton number Z=100 —140 and neutron number N=(Z+30) — (2Z+32) by the relativistic continuum Hartree-Bogoliubov (RCHB) theory with interactions NL1, NL3, NLSH, TM1, TW99, DD-ME1, PK1, and PK1R. Based on the two-nucleon separation energies S_(2p )and S_(2n) , the two-nucleon gaps δ_(2p) and δ_(2n), the shell correction energies E~p_(shell) and E~n_(shell), the pairing energies E~p_(pair) and E~n_(pair), and...     

新核素265Bh及其α衰变链上核的基态性质

运用变形的相对论平均场理论系统地探讨了新核素Bh及其va衰变链的基态性质. 对关联的处理采用了BCS方法, 不成对核子的处理运用了``阻塞"法后,所计算的结合能和四极形变符合了有限力程小液滴模型的结果, 计算表明研究的va衰 变链具有中等大小的长椭球形变; 且计算的va衰变能Q_α成功地与实验符合.在此基础上进一步研究了新核素Bh的单粒子能级.     

超重原子核与新元素研究

当前,原子核物理研究的一个重要前沿是探索原子核的电荷与质量极限,研究超重原子核与超重元素的性质,以及合成超重原子核。20世纪60年代,基于量子壳效应,理论预言质子数为114、中子数为184的原子核及其相邻核具有较长的寿命,甚至可能是稳定的,形成一个超重稳定岛。这个理论预言促进了重离子加速器及相关探测设备的建造,推动了重离子物理的发展。到目前,已经合成到了118号元素,填满了元素周期表的第7行。然而,合成更重的超重元素或包含更多中子的超重原子核面临着很多挑战,需要理论与实验密切结合,探索超重原子核的性质与合成机制,以登上超重稳定岛。文章概要评述超重原子核与新元素研究。首先介绍超重原子核与超重元素研究的背景及理论预言,包括超重核存在的根源、理论预言的概况等。之后简要给出实验合成超重核取得的主要进展和新元素命名情况。关于合成更重的超重元素面临的挑战,文章将针对利用重离子熔合蒸发反应合成超重核的截面低、所合成的超重核缺中子等情况展开讨论。最后评述近年来超重原子核结构性质、衰变、裂变与合成机制等方面的理论研究进展,包括超重核区的幻数和超重岛的位置,超重核的稳定性,利用重离子熔合蒸发反应合成超重核的三步过程及其复杂性,利用多核子转移合成超重核的探索,等等。The exploration of charge and mass limits of atomic nuclei and the synthesis of long-lived or stable superheavy nuclei (SHN) are at the frontier of modern nuclear physics. In the 1960s, based on the stability originating from quantum shell effects, the possible existence of an island of stability around 298114 was predicted. This prediction advanced the construction of heavy ion accelerators and detectors and the development of heavy ion physics. So far, superheavy elements (SHE) with Z up to 118 have been synthesized via heavy ion fusion reactions in laboratories. Recently the IUPAC/IUPAP Joint Working Party (JWP) concluded that criteria for the discovery of new elements have been met for those with Z=113, 115, 117 and 118. Therefore the seventh period of the periodic table of elements is completed. To synthesize even heavier elements or more neutron-rich SHN by using heavy ion fusion reactions, one confronts many challenges. More efforts should be made to study the properties of SHN both experimentally and theoretically. In this short review on the study on SHN and SHE, we will first introduce the background and theoretical predictions of SHN, including the origin of the possible existence of SHN and the predicted island of stability of SHN, etc. Then we will present progresses made up to now concerning the synthesis of SHN and the naming of the four new elements. As for the challenges nuclear physicists confront in synthesizing even heavier SHEs, we will detail those connected with heavy ion fusion-evaporation reactions, namely, the tiny cross sections to produce SHN and the fact that only neutron-deficient SHNs can be synthesized. Finally we will discuss some theoretical progresses on the study of SHN, including the structure of SHN and proton and neutron magic numbers after 208Pb, the stability and the synthesis mechanism of SHN as well as what we should focus on in the future.     

理论预测超重核274-291Cn和266-287Ds的衰变模式

自发裂变和α衰变是影响超重核稳定性的两个主要因素。为了探索270Ds附近的长寿命的超重核,系统地计算了电荷数在104 ≤ Z ≤ 112范围内的α衰变与自发裂变之间的竞争。采用推广的液滴模型和唯象的解析公式计算了α衰变半衰期。基于包括壳效应和同位旋效应的WKB近似方法估算了相同超重核的自发裂变半衰期,进而预测了未知超重核274-276,279Cn与267-269Ds的衰变模式。The stability of superheavy nuclei (SHN) is controlled mainly by spontaneous fission and α decay processes. To investigate whether long lived SHN could really exist around 270Ds, the competition between α decay and spontaneous fission in the region 104 ≤ Z ≤ 112 are studied systematically. The α decay half-lives are investigated by employing a generalized liquid drop model (GLDM) and phenomenological analytical formula. Calculations of spontaneous fission half-lives for the same SHN are carried out based on the Wenzel-Kramers-Brillouin(WKB) approximation with both the shell effect and the isospin effect included. Decay modes are predicted for the unknown nuclei 274-276,279Cn and 267-269Ds.     

用杨立铭方法估算大于126的幻数

采用 Woods- Saxon形成的密度函数 ,按照杨立铭方法以及稍微修改的方法进行估算都得出 ,紧接126的幻数应该接近于184.Based on Fermi Yang Liming method and its improved method, magic numbers were calculated by using Woods Saxon density function. That the magic number next to 126 should be 184 was predicted.     

Search for decay modes of heavy and superheavy nuclei

Spontaneous fission(SF) with a new formula based on a liquid drop model is proposed and used in the calculation of the SF half-lives of heavy and superheavy nuclei(Z = 90–120). The predicted half-lives are in agreement with the experimental SF half-lives. The half-lives of decay(AD) for the same nuclei are obtained by using the Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin(WKB) method together with Bohr-Sommerfeld(BS) quantization condition considering the isospin-dependent effects for the cosh potential. The decay modes and branching ratios of superheavy nuclei(Z =104-118) with experimental decay modes are obtained, and the modes are compared with the experimental ones and with the predictions found in the literature. Although some nuclei have predicted decay modes that are different from their experimental decay modes, decay modes same as the experimental ones are predicted for many nuclei. The SF and AD half-lives, branching ratios, and decay modes are obtained for superheavy nuclei(Z = 119–120) with unknown decay modes and compared with the predictions obtained in a previous study. The present results provide useful information for future experimental studies performed on both the AD and SF of superheavy nuclei.     

Semiempirical Shell Model Masses with Magic Proton Number Z=126 for Translead Elements

A highly extrapolatable semiempirical shell model mass equation applicable to translead elements up to Z=126 is presented. The equation is applied to the recently discovered superheavy nuclei ²⁹³118 and ²⁸⁹114 and their decay products. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.