57. Heidelberger Physik Graduiertentage
2026-10-05 - 2026-10-09
Hier geht es zur Anmeldunglist of Lectures
EXPLORING THE LIMITS OF NUCLEAR EXISTENCE FOR THE HEAVY AND SUPERHEAVY NUCLEI
Francesca Giacoppo
GSI Helmhotzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung, Darmstadt
Nachmittags
The study of superheavy nuclei is at the forefront of contemporary nuclear physics. Since the initial prediction of their existence in the 1960s, many isotopes of elementsup to Z=118 (Oganesson) have been synthesized and investigated. One of the most intriguing predictions was the existence of the so-called island of stability. Recent data provides strong support for this concept, although it is more accurately described as a region of increased stability. At the GSI Helmholtz Centre in Darmstadt, we have been at the cutting edge of superheavy element research for over 50 years: here several pioneering experiments have been performed at the separator SHIP leading, for instance, to the discovery of six new chemical elements.
In recent years, our research program has expanded to investigate the atomic, nuclear, and chemical properties of the heaviest man-made elements comprehensively. At GSI, we have extended the capabilities of Penning-trap mass spectrometry to access superheavy nuclides up to Z=105. Moreover we have advanced laser spectroscopy investigations aimed at studying both atomic and nuclear properties, using techniques
such as isotope shift measurements and hyperfine spectroscopy.
In this lecture series, we will provide an overview of the status of superheavy element research. In addition, we will introduce the methodological and technical developments, which allow for the efficient manipulation of rare isotopes and precision measurements at low energies, underlying the challenges and most recent achievements.
