Vol 10 No 1 (2025): June (In Progress)
Physics

Nuclear Deformation Predicts Alpha Decay Behavior in Superheavy Elements
Deformasi Nuklir Memprediksi Perilaku Peluruhan Alfa pada Elemen Super Berat


Hanan Kaayem Ghazi
General Direction of Education Qadisiyah , Iraq *

(*) Corresponding Author
Picture in here are illustration from public domain image or provided by the author, as part of their works
Published April 11, 2025
Keywords
  • Alpha decay,
  • superheavy elements,
  • nuclear deformation,
  • half-life prediction,
  • island of stability
How to Cite
Ghazi , H. K. (2025). Nuclear Deformation Predicts Alpha Decay Behavior in Superheavy Elements. Academia Open, 10(1), 10.21070/acopen.10.2025.10803. https://doi.org/10.21070/acopen.10.2025.10803

Abstract

General Background: Alpha decay is a dominant decay mode in superheavy elements (SHEs), offering critical insights into nuclear structure and stability. Specific Background: Elements with atomic numbers Z = 114–118 exhibit significant nuclear deformation, affecting their decay characteristics. Knowledge Gap: Existing models often assume spherical symmetry, leading to inaccurate half-life predictions due to neglecting deformation effects. Aims: This study quantifies the influence of nuclear deformation on alpha decay properties in SHEs, refining theoretical models for more accurate predictions. Results: By integrating deformation-dependent Woods-Saxon potentials and modifying the Geiger-Nuttall law within a WKB framework, the study achieved a 21.1% mean absolute error—improving prediction accuracy. Strong inverse correlations between quadrupole deformation (β₂) and half-life were observed; for example, Oganesson-294 (β₂ = 0.24) showed a 50% shorter half-life than spherical-based predictions. Novelty: The study combines deformation parameters (β₂, β₄), FRDM and WS4 models, and experimental validation from leading SHE laboratories, demonstrating the essential role of nuclear shape in decay behavior. Implications: These findings support the "island of stability" hypothesis near Z = 114–116 and underscore the necessity for deformation-inclusive models and advanced density-functional theory to enhance the understanding and synthesis of future SHEs.

Highlights:

 

  1. Deformation lowers Coulomb barrier, increasing alpha decay probability.

  2. Modified models improve half-life prediction accuracy.

  3. Supports stability near Z = 114, N = 1

 

Keywords: Alpha decay, superheavy elements, nuclear deformation, half-life prediction, island of stability

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