Synthesis of Superheavy Elements

The 48Ca+248Cm reaction was generally considered to be most promising for the synthesis of superheavy elements because the compound nucleus Z=1 16, A=180 provides at a moderate overshooting of the proton shell a relatively close approach to the neutron shell. Also, the decay chain after evaporation of four neutrons was expected [12] to be suitable for detection. It should start at 292116)76 by a-decay with a few seconds half-life, followed within several minutes by two electron captures in 288114i74 and 2881 13 75 and ends at 288112i76 by spontaneous fission with a 50 min half-life. 

The general aspects of the synthesis of superheavy elements can be summarized as follows ... 

Oganessian, Yuri Ts., Vladimir K. Utyonkov, and Kenton J. Moody. Voyage to Superheavy Island. Scientific American 282 (January 2000) 63-67. This is a highly accessible discussion of the synthesis of superheavy elements using both cold fusion and hot fusion techniques. 

In spite of worldly distractions, Glenn Seaborg has never wavered in his life-long commitment to science. He continues his research into the chemistry and nuclear systematics of the actinide elements. Recently, he has focused his attention on the possible existence of still another family of superheavy elements at the end of the Periodic Table, and the development of new methods for the synthesis of superheavy elements. The dedication of these volumes to Glenn Seaborg is not only a testimonial to his scientific achievements, it is also an appreciation of the example that he continues to set. 

Howard, W.M. Possible paths for synthesis of superheavy elements in nature. Phys. Scripta lOA, 138-141 (1974)... 

Arimoto, Y., Wada, T., Ohta, M., Abe, Y. Fluctuation-dissipation model for synthesis of superheavy elements. Phys. Rev. C59, 796-809 (1999)... 

Hofmann, S. Synthesis of superheavy elements by cold fusion. Radiochim. Acta 99, 405 28 (2011)... 

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