Probable Decay Modes at Limits of Nuclear Stability of the Superheavy Nuclei

TL;DR

This paper investigates decay modes of superheavy nuclei with Z=118 and 120 using a relativistic mean field model, emphasizing the role of surface asymmetry parameters in determining decay modes and half-lives.

Contribution

It introduces a novel analysis of surface asymmetry parameters and their influence on decay modes in superheavy nuclei within a relativistic mean field framework.

Findings

Asymmetry parameter η influences decay modes.

Surface neutron-proton asymmetry R_η affects half-life.

Neutron-rich surface favors β− decay.

Abstract

The modes of decay for the even-even isotopes of superheavy nuclei of Z = 118 and 120 with neutron number $160 \leq N \leq 204$ are investigated in the framework of the axially deformed relativistic mean field model. The asymmetry parameter $\eta$ and the relative neutron-proton asymmetry of the surface to the center ($R_{\eta}$) are estimated from the ground state density distributions of the nucleus. We analyze the resulting asymmetry parameter $\eta$ and the relative neutron-proton asymmetry $R_{\eta}$ of the density play a crucial role in the mode(s) of decay and its half-life. Moreover, the excess neutron richness on the surface facets a superheavy nucleus for $\beta^-$ decays.