Structure effects in the region of superheavy elements via the $α$-decay chain of $^{293}$118

Abstract

The $α$-decay chain of $^{293}$118, first proposed in the Berkeley cold fusion experiment $^{208}$Pb($^{86}$Kr,1n) and now retracted, is calculated by using the preformed cluster model (PCM) of one of us (RKG). Also, the possible branchings of $α$-particles to heavier cluster decays of all the parents in this chain are calculated for the first time. The calculated Q-values, penetrabilities and preformation factors for $α$-decays suggest that the $^{285}$114 nucleus with Z=114, N=171 is a magic nucleus, either due to the magicity of Z=114, or of N=172 or of both. The N=172 is proposed to be a magic number in certain relativistic mean-field calculations, but with Z=120. The calculated cluster decays point to new interesting possibilities of $^{14}$C decay of the $^{281}$112 parent, giving rise to a (reasonably) deformed Z=106, N=161, $^{267}$106 daughter (N=162 being now established as the deformed magic shell) or to a doubly magic $^{48}$Ca cluster emitted from any of the parent nucleus in the $α$-decay chain. Apparently, these are exciting new directions for future experiments.