Superheavy Elements

Cave 1: Element Creation and Detection

Heavy elements are created when a beam of accelerated titanium or calcium ions collides with targets such as californium-208 inside a specialized chamber in Cave 1. . When ions strike the target, they may fuse to create superheavy elements like element 120. The targets are installed in a mount that spins at 30 Hz to prevent the intense beam from poking holes through it. The Berkeley Gas-Filled Separator then separates superheavy elements from other reaction products and selects their charge states for proper magnetic guidance.

The SHREK detector uses double-sided silicon detectors where implanted ions generate signals, though background interference complicates identification. Since superheavy elements undergo alpha decay, scientists measure precise alpha particle energies and analyze decay chains for confirmation. Surrounding detectors capture about 50% of emitted alpha particles, while a helium-filled gas chamber helps trap ions for mass measurement.

Cave 2: Advanced Mass Analysis

Ions are processed through gas catchers in Cave 2  and analyzed via two methods: direct mass identification where ions pass through magnetic loops and exit at different angles based on mass, and time-of-flight analysis using "donut" electrostatic magnets that bounce ions back and forth to measure velocity differences between masses. The Multi-Reflective Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer from CERN provides high-precision mass analysis and determines electron affinity properties. The isochronous system recenters to zero for accurate measurements critical to nuclear shell model validation.

GRETA Gamma Ray Detection

GRETA uses custom germanium detectors ($1 million each) designed to become the world's best gamma ray spectrometer for experiments conducted at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) at Michigan State University. The segmented detectors reconstruct gamma ray paths through analyses performed by a supercomputer, advancing beyond earlier experiments like GRETINA. 

Scientific Significance and Superheavy Element Properties 

Superheavy elements exhibit unusual behaviors due to relativistic effects that alter electron orbital behavior, similar to gold and mercury where high nuclear charge contracts electron shells and affects material properties. These elements may not follow expected periodic table behaviors due to their deformed and heavy characteristics.

The Californium target requires robotic handling due to extreme radioactivity. Heavy elements undergo multiple alpha decay events in succession until reaching stability, making precise decay chain analysis essential for element identification.

Future research includes developing laser spectroscopy capabilities with a "miracle laser" beam line and improving mass measurement precision for better understanding of nuclear shell models.