Fusion probability and survivability in estimates of heaviest nuclei production

A number of theoretical models have been recently developed to predict production cross sections for the heaviest nuclei in fusion-evaporation reactions. All the models reproduce cross sections obtained in experiments quite well. At the same time they give fusion probability values Pfus ≡ PCN differed within several orders of the value. This difference implies a corresponding distinction in the calculated values of survivability. The production of the heaviest nuclei (from Cm to the region of superheavy elements (SHE) close to Z = 114 and N = 184) in fusion-evaporation reactions induced by heavy ions has been considered in a systematic way within the framework of the barrier-passing (fusion) model coupled with the standard statistical model (SSM) of the compound nucleus (CN) decay. Both models are incorporated into the HIVAP code. Available data on the excitation functions for fission and evaporation residues (ER) produced in very asymmetric combinations can be described rather well within the framework of HIVAP. Cross-section data obtained in these reactions allow one to choose model parameters quite definitely. Thus one can scale and fix macroscopic (liquid-drop) fission barriers for nuclei involved in the evaporation-fission cascade. In less asymmetric combinations (with 22Ne and heavier projectiles) effects of fusion suppression caused by quasi-fission are starting to appear in the entrance channel of reactions. The Pfus values derived from the capture-fission and fusion-fission cross-sections obtained at energies above the Bass barrier were plotted as a function of the Coulomb parameter. For more symmetric combinations one can deduce the Pfus values semi-empirically, using the ER and fission excitation functions measured in experiments, and applying SSM model with parameters obtained in the analysis of a very asymmetric combination leading to the production of (nearly) the same CN, as was done for reactions leading to the pre-actinide nuclei formation. Examples of the Pfus values derived with the capture-fission and ER cross-sections obtained recently for asymmetric projectile-target systems are shown. Data on the ER production in different fusion-evaporation reactions leading to the very heavy compound nuclei with ZCN ≥ 100 are considered and discussed in detail. Considering the fusion probability and survivability for the heaviest nuclei with Z > 108, one should bear in mind that the macroscopic component of fission barriers disappears as the shell-stabilized SHE region is approached. Thus the calculated survivability of nuclei produced in the 48Ca reactions induced on actinide targets depends mainly on the microscopic (shell) corrections to nuclear masses used in calculations