Superheavy elements (element numbers above 103) lie at the limits of known matter, and their synthesis provides stringent tests of quantum models of nuclei and nuclear reactions. The chemistry of superheavy nuclei probes for the breakdown of the chemical structure of the periodic table, and their nuclear properties help us understand how nuclei are made in the cosmos.

Making new superheavy elements is a major scientific challenge. Superheavy nuclei are made in fusion reactions – elements 113 to 118 (the current limit) were made by colliding ⁴⁸Ca with increasingly heavy targets. That strategy has been exhausted, and the hunt is on for new pathways to create element 119 and beyond.

Superheavy elements are so difficult to produce because even if the colliding nuclei stick together, they are much more likely to re-separate than fuse, in a process called quasifission. Quasifission is the complement of fusion. At ANU, our strategy is to use the world-leading CUBE array to measure the much more likely quasifission. This helps us understand the reaction dynamics and nuclear structure properties that stop superheavy elements from forming.

Students involved in this project will use the CUBE detector array to further our understanding of the timescales, dynamics, and competitions involved in supeheavy element reactions.

No specific background knowledge is required.

As an PhB, Vacation scholar or 3rd year project, this project will suit students interested in data analysis, numerical, and statistical techniques.

As a PhD project, this project will range from hands-on experimental projects to intensive data analysis and calculations.

Students will also have the opportunity to be involved in all accelerator-based experimental activities of the nuclear reaction dynamics group.