Superheavy elements at GSI: a broad research program with element 114 in the focus of physics and chemistry

Abstract

AbstractStudies of the superheavy elements form one of the pillars of the GSI research program. A unique combination of experimental facilities is installed at the GSI. Various topics, ranging from the synthesis of new elements, spectroscopy experiments to study the nuclear structures of the heaviest nuclei, highly accurate mass measurements beyond uranium, to chemical investigations of elements around element 114 and the synthesis of novel chemical superheavy element compound classes are being studied. This is complemented by fully relativistic quantum chemical calculations. As a recent highlight, the244Pu(48Ca,3–4n)288,289114 reaction was studied, leading to the observation of element 114 at the new gas-filled recoil separator TASCA.