Search for possible fusion reactions to synthesize the superheavy element Z=121

Abstract

We have studied the $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-decay properties of superheavy nuclei $Z=121$ in the range $265\ensuremath{\le}A\ensuremath{\le}316$. A detailed study of competition between $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ decay and fission enables us to identify the possible isotopes for superheavy element $Z=121$. The nuclei $^{299--304}121$ were found to have long half-lives and hence they could be detected if synthesized in a laboratory. After identifying the possible isotopes, we have identified the most probable projectile-target combinations by studying the fusion cross section, evaporation residue cross section, compound nucleus formation probability (${P}_{\mathrm{CN}}$), and survival probability (${P}_{\mathrm{Surv}}$) of different projectile-target combinations to synthesize the superheavy element $Z=121$. The most probable projectile-target combinations to synthesize the superheavy nuclei $^{299--305}121$ is $\mathrm{V}+\mathrm{Cf}$. The predicted $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-decay half-lives and projectile-target combinations play a vital role in the synthesis of the superheavy element $Z=121$.