On Nuclear Molecules Built up from 132Sn Components

The possible existence of nuclear quasi-molecules built up from 132Sn components is investigated. The crucial question is whether the extra stability of the doubly magic 132Sn nuclei makes them sufficiently rigid to be able to withstand the strains imposed by their mutual interactions. It is argued that if the simplest quasi-molecular dumbbell configuration were found to be (meta-)stable, then triangular and even tetrahedral structures might have comparable barriers against disintegration and comparable spontaneous fission lifetimes. These are estimated using simplifying assumptions. As regards the dumbbell's stability, one may relate this to the existence of a potential energy pocket in the deformation energy landscape of a fissioning 264Fm nucleus, and to the presence of ''bimodal'' fission in heavy Fm isotopes. Further experimental and theoretical studies of such systems may be relevant for answering the question concerning nuclear quasi-molecules. (author)