Synthetic paths to the heaviest elements

Abstract

The cross section for producing a heavy reaction product, σEVR, can be represented by the equation where σcapture (Ec.m.,J) is the capture cross section at center of mass energy Ec.m. and spin J. PCN is the probability that the projectile-target system will evolve from the contact configuration inside the fission saddle point to form a completely fused system rather than re-separating (quasifission, fast fission). Wsur is the probability that the completely fused system will de-excite by neutron emission rather than fission. I discuss results of experiments that characterize these quantities in heavy element synthesis reactions. I also discuss the possibilities of synthesizing heavy nuclei using damped collisions and reactions using radioactive beams.