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    Influence of nuclear deformation on the α-decay systematics of superheavy nuclei with Z=120–130: Density-dependent cluster model and improved empirical approaches

    Theeb Alsultan1,2,*, Saifful Kamaluddin Muzakir1,2, and S. G. Abd-Elnasser3

    • *Contact author: theeb@umpsa.edu.my

    Phys. Rev. C 114, 034306 – Published 8 September, 2026

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/jk8y-ykc9

    Abstract

    Systematic calculations of α-decay and spontaneous-fission (SF) properties are presented for the even-even superheavy isotopic chains with Z=120–130. The α-decay half-lives are evaluated within the density-dependent cluster model using a double-folding potential with a zero-range exchange approximation (DFM-ZR), employing the WS4 Qα values and deformation parameters (β2,β4) as inputs. The microscopic results are compared with the BKAG, UDL, NRDX, Horoi, and Ren A empirical formulas for both spherical and deformed daughter-nucleus configurations. To quantify the agreement between the microscopic and empirical predictions, the root-mean-square deviation, mean absolute deviation, and maximum absolute deviation of log10T1/2 are evaluated for each isotopic chain. The calculations show that nuclear deformation has a significant influence on the α-decay systematics, particularly in the heavier chains where the daughter nuclei develop stronger prolate shapes. The DFM-ZR predictions exhibit trends similar to those of the BKAG, NRDX, Horoi, and Ren A formulas, whereas the UDL formula yields systematically shorter half-lives and larger deviations from the microscopic results. The predicted systematics further indicate a structural evolution from weakly deformed nuclei near the vicinity of the N=184 shell closure to more pronounced prolate deformations at higher Z. Local irregularities around Nd≈194 in the Qα, Sα, and half-life trends suggest a possible deformed subshell effect, although a more detailed shell-structure analysis would be required to confirm this interpretation. Comparison with the SF half-lives shows that spontaneous fission becomes increasingly competitive with increasing proton number and is predicted to dominate for many nuclei with Z≥126, whereas the Z=120–124 chains remain more favorable candidates for observable α decay. These results provide a consistent theoretical framework and useful guidance for future searches for superheavy nuclei beyond the presently known limit of the nuclear chart.

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