How accurately can we predict synthesis cross sections of superheavy elements?

Abstract

Synthesis of superheavy elements beyond oganesson is facing new challenges as new target–projectile combinations are necessary. Guidance from models is thus expected for future experiments. However, hindered fusion models are not well established and predictions in the fission barriers span few MeVs. Consequently, predictions are not reliable. Strategies to constrain both fusion hindrance and fission barriers are necessary to improve the predictive power of the models. But, there is no hope to get an accuracy better than one order of magnitude in fusion–evaporation reactions leading to superheavy elements synthesis.