Structural Properties and $\alpha$-Decay Chains of Transfermium Nuclei (101$\leq$Z$\leq$110)

TL;DR

This paper investigates the structural properties and alpha-decay chains of transfermium nuclei with atomic numbers 101 to 110 using relativistic mean-field theory, comparing results with experiments and refining decay formulas.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive analysis of transfermium nuclei's structural features and introduces a modified alpha-decay formula that improves decay chain predictions.

Findings

Identification of deformed shell gaps at N=152 and 162.

Confirmation of N=184 as a spherical magic number.

Improved alpha-decay half-life predictions with the modified formula.

Abstract

Transfermium nuclei (101$\leq$Z$\leq$110) are investigated thoroughly to describe structural properties viz. deformation, radii, shapes, magicity, etc. as well as their probable decay chains. These properties are explored using relativistic mean-field (RMF) approach and compared with other theories along with available experimental data. Neutron numbers N$=$152 and 162 have come forth with a deformed shell gap whereas N$=$184 is ensured as a spherical magic number. The region with N$>$168 bears witness of the phenomenon of shape transition and shape coexistence for all the considered isotopic chains. Experimental $\alpha$-decay half-lives are compared with our theoretical half-lives obtained by using various empirical/semi-empirical formulas. The recent formula proposed by Manjunatha \textit{et al.}, which results best among the considered 10 formulas, is further modified by adding asymmetry dependent terms ($I$ and $I^2$). This modified Manjunatha formula is utilized to predict probable $\alpha$-decay chains that are found in excellent agreement with available experimental data.