Speaker: W. Loveland (Oregon State University, Corvallis)

Current Status and Future Developments in Understanding the Synthesis and Reactions of Heavy Nuclei

The heaviest elements provide a laboratory for studying nuclear structure and dynamics under the influence of large Coulomb forces. They offer opportunities for studying some of the most fundamental aspects of chemistry and physics. The current status of the synthesis of new heavy nuclei is discussed critically . The role of radioactive nuclear beams in future studies of the heaviest elements is discussed. New results on the survival probabilities of the heaviest elements (Z>=102) from neutron counting and evaporation residue detection are discussed. The application of neutron multiplicity measurements in ATW and stockpile stewardship is discussed. New systematic studies of the synthesis of element 112 using hot fusion reactions are discussed.