Superheavy Magic Nuclei: Ground-State Properties, Bubble Structure and {\alpha}-Decay Chains

TL;DR

This paper explores the properties, bubble structures, and alpha-decay chains of superheavy nuclei using relativistic mean-field models, providing insights into their stability, shape, and decay behaviors.

Contribution

It offers a comprehensive theoretical analysis of superheavy nuclei's ground-state properties and decay modes, highlighting the presence of bubble-like charge density structures.

Findings

Identification of magic numbers indicating stability

Observation of central charge depletion suggesting bubble structures

Predicted alpha-decay chains consistent with experimental data

Abstract

A systematic investigation of superheavy nuclei in the isotopic chains of proton numbers Z=106, 114, 120, and 126 together with isotonic chains of neutron numbers N=162, 172, and 184 is presented in the theoretical framework of relativistic mean-field density functionals based on density-dependent meson-nucleon couplings. Ground-state properties, including binding energy, shape, deformation, density profile, and radius, are estimated to provide compelling evidence of magicity in these even-even nuclei, aligning with the concept of the 'island of stability'. The analysis reveals central depletion in the charge density, indicating a bubble-like structure, primarily attributed to the substantial repulsive Coulomb field and the influence of higher l-states. A thorough examination of potential decay modes, employing various semi-empirical formulas, is presented. The probable alpha-decay chains are evaluated, demonstrating excellent agreement with available experimental data