The effect of centrifugal potential on \(\alpha \) decay properties

Abstract

The centrifugal potential has a significant impact on the total potential of the \(\alpha \) decay system. But it is always ignored in many models and semi-empirical formulas. In this work, an improved semi-empirical formula including the contribution of centrifugal potential for \(\alpha \) decay half-lives has been proposed based on the Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin (WKB) barrier penetration. Compared to other semi-classical formulas, the formula in this work has the smallest standard deviation. By using this formula, the \(\alpha \) decay half-lives of even–even and odd-A nuclei with atomic numbers Z = 117, 118, 119, and 120 are predicted. The calculated \(\alpha \) decay half-lives of ²⁹³Ts and ²⁹⁴Og exhibit good agreement with experimental measurements. The characteristics of predicted \(\alpha \) decay energy and half-lives indicate that N = 184 is the next neutron magic number after N = 126. Finally, the competition between \(\alpha \) decay and spontaneous fission is investigated. The decay modes for isotopes ^289–317Ts, ^290–318Og, ^291–319119, and ^292–320120 are also shown.