Covariant density functional theory input for r-process simulations in actinides and superheavy nuclei: the ground state and fission properties

TL;DR

This study uses covariant density functional theory to systematically analyze ground state and fission properties of actinides and superheavy nuclei, providing essential data for r-process nucleosynthesis modeling and assessing theoretical uncertainties.

Contribution

First comprehensive application of covariant density functional theory to actinides and superheavy nuclei for r-process input, including uncertainty quantification across multiple models.

Findings

Identified key nuclear shell closures at Z=120, N=184, N=258.

Quantified uncertainties in fission barriers and ground state properties.

Analyzed the impact of single-particle states and nuclear matter properties on uncertainties.

Abstract

The systematic investigation of the ground state and fission properties of even-even actinides and superheavy nuclei with $Z=90-120$ from the two-proton up to two-neutron drip lines with proper assessment of systematic theoretical uncertainties has been performed for the first time in the framework of covariant density functional theory (CDFT). These results provide a necessary theoretical input for the r-process modeling in heavy nuclei and, in particular, for the study of fission recycling. Four state-of-the-art globally tested covariant energy density functionals (CEDFs), namely, DD-PC1, DD-ME2, NL3* and PC-PK1, representing the major classes of the CDFT models are employed in the present study. Ground state deformations, binding energies, two neutron separation energies, $\alpha$-decay $Q_{\alpha}$ values and half-lives and the heights of fission barriers have been calculated for all these nuclei. Theoretical uncertainties in these physical observables and their evolution as a function of proton and neutron numbers have been quantified and their major sources have been identified. Spherical shell closures at $Z=120$, $N=184$ and $N=258$ and the structure of the single-particle (especially, high-$j$) states in their vicinities as well as nuclear matter properties of employed CEDFs are two major factors contributing into theoretical uncertainties. However, different physical observables are affected in a different way by these two factors. For example, theoretical uncertainties in calculated ground state deformations are affected mostly by former factor, while theoretical uncertainties in fission barriers depend on both of these factors.