Superheavies: Theoretical incitements and predictions

TL;DR

This paper explores various methods for producing neutron-rich superheavy nuclei, including multi-nucleon transfer, neutron capture in reactors and explosions, and astrophysical processes like supernovae, analyzing their feasibility and implications.

Contribution

It introduces the neutron capture process as an alternative method for synthesizing long-lived neutron-rich superheavy nuclei, expanding beyond traditional fusion and transfer reactions.

Findings

Neutron capture can produce neutron-rich superheavy nuclei.

Cross sections for multi-nucleon transfer are low.

Supernovae could contribute to natural superheavy element formation.

Abstract

It is well known that in fusion reactions one may get only neutron deficient superheavy nuclei located far from the island of stability. The multi-nucleon transfer reactions allow one to produce more neutron enriched new heavy nuclei but the corresponding cross sections are rather low. Neutron capture process is considered here as alternative method for production of long-lived neutron rich superheavy nuclei. Strong neutron fluxes might be provided by nuclear reactors and nuclear explosions in laboratory frame and by supernova explosions in nature. All these cases are discussed in the paper.