Synthesis and properties of even-even nuclei with Z=114−116 produced in 48Ca induced reactions

In the irradiation of targets made from enriched ²⁴⁴Pu and ²⁴⁸Cm isotopes with beam doses of 1.5×10¹⁹ and 2.3×10¹⁹, respectively, the detector array situated in the focal plane of the gas-filled separator registered heavy atoms of new elements undergoing sequential α decays terminated by spontaneous fission. The time of the decay chains is approximately 1 min. Decay properties of the synthesized nuclei are consistent with the consecutive α decays originating from the parent nuclides ²⁸⁸114 and ²⁹²116 produced with the cross section of about 0.5 picobarn. Comparison of T _SF and T _α values for the nuclei with Z=110 and 112 with those obtained earlier for more light isotopes of these elements points to an enhanced stability of heavy nuclei with an increase in the neutron number. The α-decay energies Q _α, measured experimentally in the chains $116 \underrightarrow {\alpha _1 } 114 \underrightarrow {\alpha _2 } 112 \underrightarrow {\alpha _3 } 110$ , are compared with-theoretical predictions of different nuclear models. From this it follows that the theoretical models predicting the decisive influence of the nuclear structure on the stability of superheavy elements are well-founded not only qualitatively but in some sense also quantitatively. Some preliminary data, obtained in the first experiment aimed at the synthesis of element 118 in the reaction ²⁴⁹Cf+⁴⁸Ca, are presented in the paper. The prospects of further investigations in the field of superheavy nuclei are discussed briefly.     

The synthesis and properties of superheavy nuclei produced in the 48Ca+244Pu, 248Cm reactions

We present the results of the experiments aimed at producing hypothetical long-lived superheavy elements located near the spherical shell closures with Z>-114 and N>-172. For the synthesis of superheavy nuclei a combination of neutron-rich reaction partners, such as ²⁴⁴Pu and ²⁴⁸Cm targets and a ⁴⁸Ca projectile have been used. The sensitivity of the present experiment exceeded by more than two orders of magnitude previous attempts to synthesize superheavy nuclides in reactions of ⁴⁸Ca projectiles with actinide targets. We observed new decay sequences of genetically linked α-decays terminated by spontaneous fission. The decay properties of the synthesized nuclei are consistent with the consecutive α-decays originating from the parent nuclides ^288,289114, produced in the 3n and 4n-evaporation channels, and ²⁹²116 — in the 4n-evaporation channel with cross sections of about a picobarn. The present observations can be considered an experimental evidence of the existence of the “island of stability” of superheavy elements and are discussed in terms of modern theoretical approaches.     

Synthesis of superheavy nuclei in the reactions of 244Pu and 248Cm with 48Ca

This paper presents results of the experiments aimed at producing long-lived superheavy elements located near the spherical-shell closures with Z ⩾ 114 and N ⩾ 172 in the ²⁴⁴Pu + ⁴⁸Ca and ²⁴⁸Cm + ⁴⁸Ca reactions. The large measured α-particle energies of the newly observed nuclei, together with the long decay times and spontaneous fission terminating the chains, offer evidence of the decay of nuclei with high atomic numbers. The decay properties of the synthesized nuclei are consistent with the consecutive α-decays originating from the parent nuclides ^{288, 289}114 and ²⁹²116, produced in the 3n and 4n evaporation channels with cross-sections of about a picobarn. The present observations can be considered as experimental evidence of the existence of the “island of stability” of superheavy elements. Received: 21 March 2002 / Accepted: 16 May 2002 / Published online: 31 October 2002 RID="a" ID="a"e-mail: utyonkov@sungns.jinr.ru     

Hints of giant halo in Zr isotopes by resonant RMF+ACCC+BCS approach

In experiments for the synthesis of superheavy elements at the velocity filter SHIP, GSI, we observed fission events, which could not be attributed to decay chains of superheavy isotopes from fusion reactions. Usually, the observation of spontaneous fission is a crucial first step for the detection of decay chains. In order to avoid random correlations and misidentifications of superheavy isotopes, it is therefore essential to know the features and cross-sections of fission events not originating from decay chains of superheavy nuclei. The special properties of the velocity filter allowed us to identify and study the ??background?? fission events as decay products of heavy target-like nuclides populated in nucleon transfer reactions. Here, we will discuss the results obtained in collisions of ₂₀ ⁴⁸ Ca + ₉₆ ²⁴⁸ Cm, ₂₄ ⁵⁴ Cr + ₉₆ ²⁴⁸ Cm and ₂₈ ⁶⁴ Ni + ₉₂ ²³⁸ U, which were applied for the synthesis of elements Z = 116 and 120, respectively.     

The reaction 48Ca + 248Cm → 296116* studied at the GSI-SHIP

The synthesis of element 116 in fusion-evaporation reactions of a ⁴⁸Ca beam with radioactive ²⁴⁸Cm targets was studied at the velocity filter SHIP of GSI in Darmstadt. At excitation energies of the compound nuclei of 40.9MeV, four decay chains were measured, which were assigned to the isotope ²⁹²116, and one chain, which was assigned to ²⁹³116. Measured cross-sections of (3.4 _?1.6 ^+2.7 ) pb and (0.9 _?0.7 ^+2.1 ), respectively, and decay data of the chains agree with data measured previously at the Flerov Laboratory of Nuclear Reactions in Dubna. As a new result, one ??-decay chain was measured, which terminates after four ?? decays by spontaneous fission. The ?? energies of the second-to-fourth decay are considerably higher than those measured for the ?? decays of ²⁸⁹114, ²⁸⁵Cn, and ²⁸¹Ds and the spontaneous fission half-life is significantly longer than that of ²⁷⁷Hs measured in previous experiments. A possible assignment is discussed in the frame of excited quasiparticle states of nuclei populated in the decay chain from ²⁹³116. Also other possible assignments were considered and are discussed. At an excitation energy of 45.0MeV no events were observed resulting in a one-event cross-section limit of 1.6 pb. The technical aspects related with the use of radioactive target material at SHIP are described in detail. The experience gained in this experiment will serve as a basis for future experiments aiming to study still heavier elements at the velocity filter SHIP.     

Reactions of massive nuclei for the synthesis of heavy and superheavy nuclei

We study the effect of the entrance channel and the shell structure of reacting massive nuclei on the fusion mechanism and the formation of evaporation residues of heavy and superheavy nuclei. In the framework of the combined dinuclear system concept and advanced statistical model, we analyze the reactions ³²S+¹⁸²W, ⁴⁸Ti+¹⁶⁶Er and ⁶⁰Ni+¹⁵⁴Sm leading to ²¹⁴Th^*, and the reactions ⁴⁸Ca+²⁴⁸Cm and the ⁴⁸Ca+²⁴⁹Cf leading to the ²⁹⁶116 and ²⁹⁷118 compound nuclei, respectively.     

Synthesis of heavy and superheavy elements by reactions of massive nuclei

By comparing theoretical and experimental excitation functions of evaporation residues resulting from the same compound nucleus or heavy and superheavy nuclei, it is possible to understand the effect of the entrance channel and the shell structure of reacting nuclei on the fusion mechanism. The competition of complete fusion with the quasifission process is strongly related to the intrinsic fusion barrier B _fus ^* and the quasifission barrier B _qf as well as the size of the well in the nucleus-nucleus potential. In our calculations of the excitation functions for capture, fusion, and evaporation residues, we use the relevant variables such as mass asymmetry of nuclei in the entrance channel, potential energy surface, driving potential, spin distribution, and surviving probability of compound nucleus that are responsible for the mechanism of the fusion-fission process. As a result, we obtain a beam energy window for the capture of the nuclei before the system fuses and the Γ_n/Γ_f ratio at each step along the deexcitation cascade of the compound nucleus. Calculations performed in the framework of the model taking into account the nuclear shell effect and shape of colliding nuclei allow us to reach useful conclusions about the mechanism of the fusion-fission process and the production of the evaporation residues. We analyze the ⁴⁰Ar + ¹⁷⁶Hf, ⁸⁶Kr + ¹³⁰Xe, and ¹²⁴Sn + ⁹²Zr reactions leading to ²¹⁶Th*; the ³²S + ¹⁸²W and ⁶⁰Ni + ¹⁵⁴Sm reactions leading to ²¹⁴Th*; the ⁴⁸Ca + ²⁴⁸Cm reaction leading to the ²⁹⁶116 compound nucleus; and the ⁴⁸Ca + ²⁴⁹Cf reaction leading to the ²⁹⁷118 compound nucleus.     

Synthesis of superheavy nuclei in 48Ca+244Pu interactions

This article reports the results of experiments aimed at producing hypothetical long-lived superheavy elements located near the spherical-shell closures with Z≥114 and N≥72. For the synthesis of superheavy nuclei, we used a combination of neutron-rich reaction partners, with a ²⁴⁴Pu target and a ⁴⁸Ca projectile. The sensitivity of the present experiment exceeded by more than two orders of magnitude previous attempts at synthesizing superheavy nuclides in reactions of ⁴⁸Ca projectiles with actinide targets. We observed new decay sequences of genetically linked alpha decays terminated by spontaneous fission. The high measured alpha-particle energies, together with the long decay times and spontaneous fission terminating the chains, offer evidence for the decay of nuclei with high atomic numbers. The decay properties of the synthesized nuclei are consistent with the consecutive alpha decays originating from the parent nuclides ^288,289114, produced in the 3n-and 4n-evaporation channels with cross sections of about a picobarn. The present observations can be considered experimental evidence for the existence of the “island of stability” of superheavy elements and are discussed in terms of modern theoretical approaches.     

164Ta,identification of a new isotope

The new isotope¹⁶⁴Ta (T _1/2=13.6(2)s) was produced in the¹²⁷I(⁴⁰Ca, 3n) reaction and transported to a measuring station by helium jet. Decay properties were observed withα, γ, andγ-γ spectroscopy. TheZ assignment of the new isotope was based ongg-X-ray coincidence measurements. The mass assignment was deduced from measured excitation functions. The twoγ rays assigned to the new activity most likely originate from the 4⁺→2⁺→0⁺ decay sequence in¹⁶⁴Hf. A smallα branch, ≦0.016(5)%, with anα decay energy ofE _α=4,625(15) keV was found and assigned to the decay of¹⁶⁴Ta. The deduced upper limit of theα width for this branch,W _α≦0.6(2), is in accordance with those known for neighbouring nuclei.     

Dependence of light charged particles parameters on Z2/A in ternary fission

Emission of light charged particles from ternary fission of ²⁴⁸Cm, ²⁵²Cf and ²³⁵U+n_th has been measured by a CsI(Tl) counter. Relative probabilities and parameters of p, t, α energy spectra in triple fission were extracted and compared with earlier reference results.     

Dependence of light charged particles parameters on Z2/A in ternary fission

Emission of light charged particles from ternary fission of²⁴⁸Cm,²⁵²Cf and²³⁵U+n _th has been measured by a CsI(T1) counter. Relative probabilities and parameters of p, t,α energy spectra in triple fission were extracted and compared with earlier reference results.     

Heavy element nuclear chemistry at JAERI

The present status of heavy element nuclear chemistry research at JAERI (Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute) is reviewed. Production of the transactinide nuclei ²⁶¹Rf and ²⁶²Db via the reactions of ²⁴⁸Cm(¹⁸O,5n) and ²⁴⁸Cm(¹⁹F, 5n), respectively, at the JAERI tandem accelerator is reported. Study of the aqueous chemistry of Rf is being carried out with a newly developed rapid ion-exchange separation apparatus. Anion-exchange behavior of Rf in acidic solution is briefly discussed. Recent experimental results on decay studies of neutron-deficient actinide nuclei using the gas-jet coupled JAERI-ISOL are given. We also discuss characteristics of nuclear deformation properties at scission in symmetric and asymmetric fission of actinides. Prospects for studies in the near future are briefly considered.     

原子核的大质量转移反应和丰中子超重核的产生(英文)

迄今为止,人们合成的超重核都是缺中子的,无论是熔合-裂变反应还是碎化过程都无法使产物达到周期表的“东北区域”。而重核之间(如U核之间) 的近垒大质量转移反应则可能是目前生成丰中子超重核和达到未知丰中子重核区域的唯一途径。在改进的量子分子动力学(ImQMD) 模型结合统计模型框架内,研究了U+U等反应体系的大质量转移反应,计算了反应产生的初生态碎片的质量和电荷分布,并成功再现了产物的终态质量和电荷分布。通过比较3 个反应136Xe+248Cm,48Ca+248Cm和238U+248Cm 产生的106号元素的截面大小,揭示了U+U等重核大质量转移反应对产生丰中子超重核是非常有利的。For elements with Z > 100 only neutron deficient isotopes have been synthesized so far. The “northeast area” of the nuclear map can be reached neither in fusion-fission reactions nor in fragmentation processes.The large mass transfer reactions in near barrier collisions of heavy (U-like) ions seem to be the only reaction mechanism allowing us to produce neutron rich heavy nuclei including those located at the superheavy(SH) island of stability and unexplored area of heavy neutron-rich nuclides. This study is extremely important for nuclear astrophysical investigations and, in particular, for the understanding of the r process. In this paper within the Improved Quantum Molecular Dynamics (ImQMD) model combining with the statistical-evaporation model, the large mass transfer reactions, like 238U+238U have been studied. The charge and mass distributions of transiently formed primary fragments are investigated within the ImQMD model and de-excitation processes of those primary fragments are described by the statistical decay model. The mass distribution of the final products in 238U+238U collisions is obtained and compared with the recent experimental data. Through compared the formation cross sections of transfermium element 106 by three reactions of 136Xe+248Cm, 48Ca+248Cm and 238U+248Cm, it is explored that the large mass transfer reactions, like U+U are very benefit for the production of SH nuclei.     

Decay of heavy and superheavy nuclei

We present here, an overview and progress of the theoretical works on the isomeric state α decay, α decay fine structure of even–even, even–odd, odd–even and odd–odd nuclei, a study on the feasibility of observing α decay chains from the isotopes of the superheavy nuclei Z = 115 in the range 271 ≤A ≤ 294 and the isotopes of Z = 117 in the range 270 ≤A ≤ 301, within the Coulomb and proximity potential model for deformed nuclei (CPPMDN). The computed half-lives of the favoured and unfavoured α decay of nuclei in the range 67 ≤Z ≤ 91 from both the ground state and isomeric state, are in good agreement with the experimental data and the standard deviation of half-life is found to be 0.44. From the α fine structure studies done on various ranges of nuclei, it is evident that, for nearly all the transitions, the theoretical values show good match with the experimental values. This reveals that CPPMDN is successful in explaining the fine structure of even–even, even–odd, odd–even and odd–odd nuclei. Our studies on the α decay of the superheavy nuclei ^271?294115 and ^270?301117 predict 4 α chains consistently from ^284,285,286115 nuclei and 5α chains and 3α chains consistently from ^288?291117 and ²⁹²117, respectively. We thus hope that these studies on ^284?286115 and ^288?292117 will be a guide to future experiments.     

Cold reaction valleys in the radioactive decay of superheavy 286112, 292114, and 296116 nuclei

Cold reaction valleys in the radioactive decay of superheavy nuclei ²⁸⁶112, ²⁹²114, and ²⁹⁶116 are studied taking Coulomb and Proximity Potential as the interacting barrier. It is found that in addition to alpha particle, ⁸Be, ¹⁴C, ²⁸Mg, ³⁴Si, ⁵⁰Ca, etc. are optimal cases of cluster radioactivity since they lie in the cold valleys. Two other regions of deep minima centered on ²⁰⁸Pb and ¹³²Sn are also found. Within our Coulomb and Proximity Potential Model half-life times and other characteristics such as barrier penetrability, decay constant for clusters ranging from alpha particle to ⁶⁸Ni are calculated. The computed alpha half-lives match with the values calculated using Viola-Seaborg-Sobiczewski systematics. The clusters ⁸Be and ¹⁴C are found to be most probable for emission with T _1/2 < 10³⁰ s. The alpha-decay chains of the three superheavy nuclei are also studied. The computed alpha-decay half-lives are compared with the values predicted by Generalized Liquid Drop Model and they are found to match reasonably well.     

Observation of a shell gap at N = 152 in the 246 Cm(t,p) 248 Cm reaction

Previous reports of two-neutron stripping reactions in the actinide nuclei have not indicated any excited 0⁺ strength below an excitation energy of 1.5 MeV. In contrast, the ²⁴⁶ Cm(t,p) ²⁴⁸Cm reaction shows a relatively strong 0⁺ state at 1.084 MeV. We believe that this result, coupled with a marked change in ground-state transition strenghts between ²⁴⁶ Cm and ²⁴⁸ Cm targets, indicates a gap in the single-particle orbitals that is larger than the pairing gap.     

Description of the New Nuclide 259Db and Its α-Decay Chain in Relativistic Mean Field Theory

The new nuclide ²⁵⁹Db and its α decay chain are systematically studied in the framework of the relativistic mean field (RMF) theory with NL3 and TM1 effective interactions. The nuclide ²⁵⁹Db and its α-decay daughter nuclei are calculated in a RMF framework with and without the pairing correlation. With the pairing gaps obtained from the RCHB, the deformed RMF+BCS has been carried out for these nuclei. It has been found that the DRMF+BCS well reproduces the data and implies that the new nuclide ²⁵⁹Db and its α decay daughter nuclei are highly deformed. The α-decay energy Q_α for different channel has been given and it seems that the ground state to ground state Q_α values from DRMF+BCS reproduce the data well. Furthermore the single particle levels of the α decay chain are studied carefully and the explanation for the stability is also presented.     

Doubly magic nucleus (108)(270)Hs162

Theoretical calculations predict 270Hs (Z=108, N=162) to be a doubly magic deformed nucleus, decaying mainly by alpha-particle emission. In this work, based on a rapid chemical isolation of Hs isotopes produced in the 26Mg+248Cm reaction, we observed 15 genetically linked nuclear decay chains. Four chains were attributed to the new nuclide 270Hs, which decays by alpha-particle emission with Qalpha=9.02+/-0.03 MeV to 266Sg which undergoes spontaneous fission with a half-life of 444(-148)(+444) ms. A production cross section of about 3 pb was measured for 270Hs. Thus, 270Hs is the first nucleus for which experimental nuclear decay properties have become available for comparison with theoretical predictions of the N=162 shell stability.     

Fusion-fission dynamics in the superheavy nucleus production

The fusion-fission reaction mechanism leading to the massive nucleus formation is studied. We investigate the superheavy nucleus formation in heavy-ion induced reactions by analysing the evaporation residue (ER) production in order to study the fusion dynamics and the decay properties of nuclei close to the stability island at Z=114. We consider the ⁶¹Ni+²⁰⁸Pb, ⁴⁸Ca+²³⁸U and ⁴⁸Ca+²⁴⁴Pu reactions that lead to the Z=110, 112 and 114 superheavy elements respectively. By using the dinuclear system (DNS) concept of the two interacting nuclei we calculate the quasifission-fusion competition in the entrance channel and the fission-evaporation competition along the de-excitation cascade of the compound nucleus. The dynamics of the entrance channel allows us to determine the beam energy window which is favorable to the fusion, while the dynamic evolution of the compound nucleus on the shell correction to the fission barrier and the dissipative effects influence the fission-evaporation competition in order to obtain the residue nuclei from the superheavy nucleus formation. We also calculate the τ _n /τ_tot ratio at each step of the de-excitation cascade of the compound nucleus and we present a systematics of τ _n /τ_tot (at first step of the cascade) for many reactions that lead to nuclei with Z=102–114.