Microscopic calculation of α-decay half-lives within the cluster model

The alpha-decay half-lives of heavy and superheavy nuclei are systematically calculated using a radial wave function within the cluster model. The decaying state is considered as an isolated quasi-bound state, and the alpha-decay process is interpreted as the quantum transition from the quasi-bound state to the scattering state. Then the quasi-bound state wave function and the scattering state wave function, in combination with the difference of potentials, are used to give a clear expression of the alpha-decay width. The present study is mainly restricted to even-even nuclei with N > 126, including the superheavy mass region. The obtained alpha-decay half-lives are found to be in good agreement with the experimental data. Moreover, the study has been extended to the newly observed heaviest nuclei. It is worth noting that the aim of this work is not only to reproduce the experimental data better, but also to extend our understanding of alpha decay. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V.. All rights reserved.