Properties of nuclei, synthesis and stability of heavy nuclei

^{last updated: December 2014}

RESEARCH TOPICS

• Possibility of existence/stability/structure of super-heavy nuclei (in connection with experiments run in Dubna and in GSI, soon also at GANIL).
• Properties (masses, decay paths) of nuclei far from stability (in connection with experiments run in GSI and in Jyväskylä).
• Nuclei exotic states (third minima, K isomers).
• Evaluation and analysis of nuclei masses currently measured in GSI.

WORKS PERFORMED IN 2014

• Masses and deformations in ground states and saddle points for super-heavy nuclei from the 98<Z<126 and 134<N<192 region (including ground states for odd nuclei) were determined. Alpha decay energies were calculated. Two pairing accounting methods were used: blocking and adding quasi-particle energy. Discrepancies between theoretical calculations and experimental data turned out to be smaller in the super-heavy nuclei region than in the fitting region.
• The microscopic/macroscopic method applied in 8 dimensions (an unprecedented approach) resulted in a low value (360 keV) of the 3^rd barrier, which was in line with old experimental results (Blons et al.). Unclear current experimental situations was pointed out.
• Fission barriers and stability of super-heavy nuclei Z ≥ 126 were predicted.

THE MOST ESSENTIAL ACHIEVEMENTS (2014)

• Several possible structural effects that might inhibit alpha decay and explain some discrepancies between experimental data and theoretical predictions were identified. 
• Calculated masses were used to estimate cross sections in hot fusion reactions leading to synthesis of Z=119 and Z=120 super-heavy elements.
• An original method to correct the time necessary for ^181,183Lu, ^185,186Hf, ^187,188Ta, ¹⁹¹W and ^192,193Re ions to travel around the ESR-GSI ring was worked out. Accuracy in measurements of masses of  ^189,190W and ¹⁹⁵Os nuclei was improved. 
• ²¹²Bi nucleus isomeric state was analysed. 

APPLICABILITY OF THE OBTAINED RESULTS

• The obtained cross sections for production of several super-heavy elements are necessary to plan reactions of synthesis of the most heavy nuclei on Earth. 
• The developed method to correct ESR-GSI ring travelling times will be used to improve accuracy in measurements of masses conducted in GSI.
• Theoretical predictions of nuclei masses and alpha decay energies will soon be verified experimentally. Depth of the 3^rd minimum in Th-232 will soon be experimentally verified within the framework of the ELI (Extreme Light Infrastructure) European programme. 

RESEARCH TEAM

_{This page edited by: Marek Pawłowski}