Extrapolation of mean-field models to superheavy nuclei

Abstract

The extrapolation of self-consistent nuclear mean-field models to the region of superheavy elements is discussed with emphasis on the extrapolating power of the models. The predictions of modern mean-field models are confronted with recent experimental data. It is shown that a final conclusion about the location of the expected island of spherical doubly-magic superheavy nuclei cannot be drawn on the basis of the available data.

Invited talk at the International Conference on ``Fusion dynamics at the extremes'', Dubna, Russia, May 25-27, 2000