How good are superheavy elementZandAassignments?

Kenneth Gregorich, D. Rudolph
2016 EPJ Web of Conferences  
Proton number, Z, and mass number,A, assignments for newly discovered heavy element nuclides have historically been made by observing decay to a daughter with well-established Z and A, and then observing the well-know decay of that daughter. For all of the new superheavy element isotopes observed in 48 Ca irradiations of actinide targets, this correlation technique has not been possible, because the -decay chains end in spontaneous fission of previously unknown isotopes. Consequently, Z and A
more » ... signments have been made by less-direct means. The superheavy element Z and A assignment methods are summarized, and possibilities for how they may be incorrect are explored. While it is highly likely that most of the superheavy element Z and A assignments are correct, there is a real need for a direct proof. a
doi:10.1051/epjconf/201613106002 fatcat:nantnurukrd6regzhvrmegkmoq