Mechanisms for formation of heavy elements

The formation of new elements heavier than uranium, is a major endeavour in nuclear physics. Being beyond the borderline of stability, these short-lived nuclei give unique insights into the delicate balance of forces that bind nucleons together. They are formed by fusing two heavy nuclei, a process that is not well understood. The high efficiency of the ANU's fusion spectrometer, and the newly funded superconducting fusion spectrometer will be harnessed to make precision measurements to improve our understanding of fusion of heavy nuclei. This research will maintain Australia's pre-eminence in the study of heavy nuclei, and is likely to have a direct impact on searches for new heavy elements.