Synthetic Paths to the Heaviest Elements

Abstract

The cross section for producing a heavy reaction product, $\sigma$$_{EVR}$, can be represented by the equation \sigma_{EVR} = \sum_{J=0}^{J_\max} \sigma_{capture} (E_{c.m.},J) P_{CN} (E^*,J) W_{sur}(E^*,J), where $\sigma_{capture}(E_{c.m.},J)$ is the capture cross section at center of mass energy E$_{c.m.}$ and spin J. P$_{CN}$ 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). W$_{sur}$ 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.