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 3rd 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 3rd minimum in Th-232 will soon be experimentally verified within the framework of the ELI (Extreme Light Infrastructure) European programme. 

RESEARCH TEAM

  • Professor Zygmunt Patyk
  • Professor Adam Sobiczewski 
  • Associate Professor Michał Kowal
  • Associate Professor Janusz Skalski 
  • Associate Professor Robert Smolańczuk

 

 


This page edited by: Marek Pawłowski