Structure effects in the region of superheavy elements via the $\alpha$-decay chain of $^{293}$118

TL;DR

This study investigates the structure effects in superheavy elements through alpha-decay chains, revealing potential magic numbers and new decay modes, which could guide future experimental research in nuclear physics.

Contribution

It introduces calculations of alpha-decay branchings and cluster decays in the superheavy element chain of $^{293}$118, highlighting possible magic nuclei and novel decay pathways.

Findings

$^{285}$114 may be a magic nucleus due to shell effects.

Potential for $^{14}$C and $^{48}$Ca cluster decays from superheavy nuclei.

Identification of deformed magic shells at N=162.

Abstract

The $\alpha$-decay chain of $^{293}$118, first proposed in the Berkeley cold fusion experiment $^{208}$Pb($^{86}$Kr,1n) and now retracted, is calculated by using the preformed cluster model (PCM) of one of us (RKG). Also, the possible branchings of $\alpha$-particles to heavier cluster decays of all the parents in this chain are calculated for the first time. The calculated Q-values, penetrabilities and preformation factors for $\alpha$-decays suggest that the $^{285}$114 nucleus with Z=114, N=171 is a magic nucleus, either due to the magicity of Z=114, or of N=172 or of both. The N=172 is proposed to be a magic number in certain relativistic mean-field calculations, but with Z=120. The calculated cluster decays point to new interesting possibilities of $^{14}$C decay of the $^{281}$112 parent, giving rise to a (reasonably) deformed Z=106, N=161, $^{267}$106 daughter (N=162 being now established as the deformed magic shell) or to a doubly magic $^{48}$Ca cluster emitted from any of the parent nucleus in the $\alpha$-decay chain. Apparently, these are exciting new directions for future experiments.