Extrapolation of a self-consistent energy density mass formula to the superheavy region and to the neutron drip line

Abstract

The previously developed energy density mass formula is extrapolated to the superheavy region and to the neutron drip line. Fission barriers,α-decay andβ-decay energies of isotones withN=184 are computed and half-lives are estimated by using simple corrections to the half-lives obtained by Fiset and Nix. According to the assumption made to extrapolate the pairing parameters, the most stable nucleus atN=184 is found to be either₁₈₄X ²⁹⁴₁₁₀ with a half-life of 67 years, or₁₈₄ ²⁹²₁₀₈ with a half-life of 13 years. The position of the neutron drip line for 8≦Z≦44 is also studied and compared to the predictions of other mass formulae. Important differences are found, particularly for the influence of the shell effects in this region.