Review on Theoretical Studies of Superheavy Nuclei

Abstract

Superheavy elements have provided a good test of the validity of both nuclear structure models and nuclear decay models in a large mass region. We firstly review the recent progress on theoretical studies of superheavy nuclei. Emphasis is placed on the structure and decay of superheavy nuclei. Then theoretical results of odd-odd nuclei with Z = 109 - 115 are presented and discussed. It is clearly demonstrated that there is shape coexistence for the ground state of many superheavy nuclei from different models and many superheavy nuclei are deformed. In some cases superdeformation can become the ground state of superheavy nuclei and it is important for future studies of superheavy nuclei. This can lead to the existence of low-energy isomers in the superheavy region and it plays an important role for the stability of superheavy nuclei. As α-decay and spontaneous fission plays a crucial role for identifications of new elements, we also review some typical models of α-decay half-lives and spontaneous fissions half-lives. Some new views on superheavy nuclei are presented.

Ground State Properties of Superheavy Nuclei in Macroscopic-Microscopic Model

“…They are also close to the results from RMF model. [17,18] From Fig. 2, one can see that the MM model gives slightly better results than the RMF model does.…”

“…[38] The RMF results are from Refs. [17] and [18]. Results from Möller's calculation are also plotted in this figure.…”

“…The α-decay energy can be calculated by the difference between the binding energies of parent nuclei and daughter nuclei. The calculated results are compared with experimental data and RMF model results [17,18] in Fig. 2.…”

“…2, one can see that the MM model gets slightly poor results for nuclei with neutron number N = 162, the deformed subshell closure. [17,18,25] This may be caused by the BCS method used in the calculation of pairing energy. [27] Generally speaking, the MM model with Nilsson potential well reproduces the measured α-decay energies and estimated values of superheavy nuclei.…”

“…After the discussion of α-decay energies, now we turn to the half lives. The Viola-Seaborg formula [18,26] is used to calculate the half lives of nuclei,…”