Projectile fragmentation of 198Pt: New pathway to discover neutron-rich rare-earth isotopes

A More Effective Pathway for production of Neutron‑Rich Rare‑Earth Nuclei: Fragmentation of ¹⁹⁸Pt

Physicists Xiaohui Sun and He Wang investigated the potential of projectile fragmentation. The study shows that fragmentation of ¹⁹⁸Pt beam provides a significant advantage over both other heavy‑ion projectiles and conventional ²³⁸U fission for producing the most neutron‑rich rare‑earth isotopes.

From Theoretical calculation to Experimental Reality

After an evaluation on the existing cross-section data, the researchers predicted production probability for new isotopes in the rare-earth region. To translate cross sections into real discovery potential, the researchers optimized the target thickness to maximize the yield of the nuclei by balancing production yield with the survival probability and the charge state distribution of the produced fragments.

Advancing Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Astrophysics Research

The discovery of these new isotopes would not only extend the frontier of nuclear chart, but also provide critical data for a deep understanding in nuclear structure and rapid-neutron capture process abundance pattern. “By using a more efficient production method, it enables experimental studies that were previously impossible, bridging the gap between theoretical predictions and observable phenomena,” the researchers state.

Toward a New Era of Discovery

As HIAF nears full operation, the study lays the groundwork for upcoming experiments that could reshape our understanding of nuclei and the origins of the elements. “This work demonstrates that we now have a realistic pathway to systematically explore one of the most challenging regions of the nuclear chart,” the authors note. “By combining optimized reaction mechanisms with next-generation facilities, we can significantly expand the known limits of nuclear existence.”

The complete study is via by DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s41365-026-01997-0