Abstract
Theoretical calculations predict (, ) to be a doubly magic deformed nucleus, decaying mainly by -particle emission. In this work, based on a rapid chemical isolation of Hs isotopes produced in the reaction, we observed 15 genetically linked nuclear decay chains. Four chains were attributed to the new nuclide , which decays by -particle emission with to which undergoes spontaneous fission with a half-life of . A production cross section of about 3 pb was measured for . Thus, is the first nucleus for which experimental nuclear decay properties have become available for comparison with theoretical predictions of the shell stability.
- Received 19 April 2006
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.97.242501
©2006 American Physical Society