On the formation and alpha decay of superheavy elements Original Research Article

The potential energy governing the entrance and α-decay channels for superheavy elements has been determined within a Generalized Liquid Drop Model including the proximity effects, the asymmetry, an accurate nuclear radius, an adjustment to reproduce the experimental Q value and within the asymmetric two-center shell model and the Strutinsky method. In cold fusion paths double-hump fusion barriers stand and incomplete fusion events may occur. Warm fusion reactions lead to one hump potential barriers and to very excited systems cooling down by neutron or even α-particle evaporation. α-decay half-lives of superheavy elements have been calculated and compared with the new available experimental data.