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Published on: February 11, 2012
Synthesis of a new element with atomic number Z = 117
Yu Ts Oganessian1, F Sh Abdullin, P D Bailey
1Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, RU-141980 Dubna, Russian Federation. oganessian@jinr.ru
Physical Review Letters
|May 21, 2010
Summary
Scientists discovered element 117, synthesizing isotopes (293)117 and (294)117. This finding supports the existence of an island of stability for superheavy atomic nuclei.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Physics
- Chemistry
- Atomic Physics
Background:
- Superheavy nuclei are elements with high atomic numbers.
- The existence of an "island of stability" has been theorized for superheavy nuclei, predicting increased stability for certain isotopes.
- Previous research has focused on synthesizing and characterizing elements beyond the known periodic table.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the discovery of a new chemical element with atomic number Z=117.
- To synthesize and identify isotopes of element 117.
- To investigate the decay properties of superheavy nuclei and validate theoretical models.
Main Methods:
- Fusion reactions were employed, specifically bombarding Berkelium-249 ((249)Bk) with Calcium-48 ((48)Ca) ions.
- The Dubna gas-filled recoil separator was utilized to isolate and identify the synthesized nuclei.
- Decay chains of the produced isotopes were analyzed to determine their properties.
Main Results:
- The isotopes (293)117 and (294)117 were successfully produced.
- Decay chains involving 11 new nuclei were identified.
- Measured decay properties indicated a significant increase in stability for isotopes with atomic numbers greater than or equal to 111.
Conclusions:
- The discovery of element 117 and its isotopes provides strong evidence for the island of enhanced stability.
- The findings validate theoretical predictions regarding the stability of superheavy nuclei.
- This research opens new avenues for exploring the limits of nuclear existence and the properties of matter.
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