The periodic table is expanding even now - four new elements Nh (atomic number 113), Mc (115), Ts (117), and Og (118) have been added on the table in 2016 - so our new frontier is to create new superheavy elements 119 or 120, in order to open the door to the new period (that is, the eighth period) in the periodic table, as well as to understand the stability around the closed-proton shells in the nuclear system. These elements have been synthesized (will be synthesized) in the laboratory by fusing two heavy nuclei. The experimental methods and parameters need to be optimized since the cross sections (equivalent to probabilities) of the reactions to produce these new elements are predicted to be much smaller than those for the existing elements, e.g., it will take more than 100 days to synthesize one atom of new superheavy element. This project aims at proposing the best way to create new superheavy elements based on our studies regarding fusion, fission and evaporation processes, and at creating new superheavy elements with the best way.

The experiments will be performed utilizing the Heavy Ion Accelerator Facility in ANU, and the RI Beam Factory of RIKEN Nishina Center, Japan. Theoretical calculation may be used to understand the reaction dynamics based on the experimental results.

We are looking forward to seeing the challengers who wish to open a new period in the periodic table, as well as to open a new frontier on the nuclear chart.