The nuclei chart
The 3378 discovered nuclei.
The 3378 discovered nuclei.
321 transuranium nuclei.
Published on August 15, 2023
In this article, we introduce the development of transport models such as the dinuclear system (DNS) model, quantum molecular dynamics (QMD) type model, Boltzmann type model, and Time-dependent Hatree-Fock (TDHF) type model, and conclude with their latest applications in the synthesis of superheavy nuclei, especially in fusion reactions and multinucleon transfer reactions. In addition, various international large-scale scientific facilities, as well as their scientific objectives, and future plans, are also summarized.
Recommended citation: Zhang, Ming-Hao, et al. "Progress in transport models of heavy-ion collisions for the synthesis of superheavy nuclei." NUCLEAR TECHNIQUES,2023,46(08):137-145.
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Published on January 25, 2024
Within the framework of the dinuclear system model, the experimentally accessible projectile-target combinations are predicted for the production of new superheavy elements with Z=119 and Z=120. The entrance channel effect and the isotopic dependence of targets and projectiles on the capture, fusion, and survival stages of the fusion reaction are discussed.
Recommended citation: Zhang, Ming-Hao, et al. "Predictions of synthesizing elements with Z= 119 and 120 in fusion reactions." Physical Review C 109.1 (2024): 014622.
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Published on June 18, 2024
The synthesis of superheavy elements Z = 121 was systematically studied through combinations of stable projectiles with Z = 21–30 and targets with half-lives exceeding 50 d. The influence of mass asymmetry and isotopic dependence on the projectile and target nuclei was investigated in detail.
Recommended citation: Zhang, Ming-Hao, et al. "Possibilities for the synthesis of superheavy element Z= 121 in fusion reactions." Nuclear Science and Techniques 35.6 (2024): 95.
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Published on September 04, 2024

The possible fusion reactions for synthesizing new double magic nucleus are investigated, with optimal reaction energy and evaporation residue cross section being predicted. This paper has been selected as the Cover Article for this issue of Nuclear Science and Techniques, and reported by phys.org.
Recommended citation: Zhang, Ming-Hao, et al. "Possibility of reaching the predicted center of the “island of stability” via the radioactive beam-induced fusion reactions." Nuclear Science and Techniques 35.9 (2024): 95.
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Published on December 28, 2024
The 252Cf isotope produced at Oak Ridge National Laboratory is a promising target material for the synthesis of new superheavy nuclei through fusion reaction experiments. Within the framework of the dinuclear system model, the reaction systems with the 252Cf target are investigated for the synthesis of new isotopes with Z=118-123. Additionally, the radioactive beam-induced reactions based on the 252Cf target are investigated to reach the predicted neutron shell closure N = 184. The predicted results fall below the current detection limitation, indicating the necessity for advancement in both accelerator and detection techniques, as well as exploration of alternative reaction mechanisms.
Recommended citation: Zhang, Ming-Hao, et al. "Predictions for the synthesis of new superheavy nuclei with 252Cf target." Chinese Physics C 49.6 (2025): 054107.
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Published on February 14, 2025
Based on the dinuclear system model, we investigate the asymmetric fusion-evaporation reactions for producing unknown 279–281Nh and neutron-rich 287,288Nh isotopes, with the objective of filling the gap between cold and hot fusion reactions.
Recommended citation: Zhang, Ming-Hao, et al. "Predictions for the synthesis of unknown 279–281Nh and 287,288Nh isotopes." Physical Review C 111.2 (2025): 024611.
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Published on August 14, 2025
This review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in superheavy nuclei synthesis, focusing on both the experimental and theoretical developments. We summarizes the primary synthesis methods, the experimental plans and theoretical predictions for synthesizing new superheavy elements. Future directions offering new pathways for discovering unknown superheavy nuclei are also discussed.
Recommended citation: Zhang, Ming-Hao, et al. "Progress on the synthesis of superheavy nuclei." Nuclear Science and Techniques 36.11 (2025): 204.
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Published on March 26, 2026
Using the dinuclear system model, this study examined the reaction systems employing 242Cm to 248Cm targets with 45Sc, 50Ti, 51V, 54Cr, and 55Mn projectiles, providing possible reaction systems toward elements 119–121. The predicted maximum evaporation-residue cross sections generally increase as the curium target becomes more neutron rich, while also showing a clear odd-even staggering pattern. By separating the capture, fusion, and survival stages, the study shows that the isotope dependence arises mainly from the survival process. 247Cm consequently emerges as a promising candidate target for future experiments.
Recommended citation: Zhang, Ming-Hao, et al. "Investigation of the isotopic dependence in the synthesis of superheavy nuclei with Plutonium and Curium targets." Nuclear Science and Techniques 37.6 (2026): 204.
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Published on September 2, 2026
We develop a machine learning method to calibrate nuclear mass excess predictions by integrating multiple global mass models. A Bayesian ridge regression model is trained with known nuclei from AME2020 using results from five theoretical mass models, achieving a root mean squared error of 0.256 MeV. Further validations based on updated mass evaluations, excluded nuclear chains, and extrapolation toward the superheavy region support the improved interpolation of the Bayesian ridge regression model among known nuclei and improved extrapolation performance. The calibrated results are then introduced into the dinuclear system model to enhance the prediction of optimal incident energies. This machine learning-assisted approach provides reliable optimal incident energies for the synthesis of superheavy elements with 𝑍=119 and 120. Our study indicates the potential of combining theoretical models with machine learning methods to advance predictive capabilities in superheavy element research.
Recommended citation: Zhang, Ming-Hao, et al. "Nuclear mass excesses calibrated by Bayesian ridge regression for predicting optimal incident energies for the synthesis of superheavy elements." Physical Review C 114.3 (2026): 034620.
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Undergraduate course, University 1, Department, 2014
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Workshop, University 1, Department, 2015
This is a description of a teaching experience. You can use markdown like any other post.