Synthesis of a new element with atomic number Z=117

[bperet]

http://www.webelements.com/nexus/chemis ... umber-z117

A paper just published (5 April 2010) in Physical Review Letters by Yu. Ts. Oganessian and others claims the synthesis of a new element with atomic number 117. The abstract states "The discovery of a new chemical element with atomic number Z=117 is reported. The isotopes ²⁹³117 and ²⁹⁴117 were produced in fusion reactions between ⁴⁸Ca and ²⁴⁹Bk. Decay chains involving eleven new nuclei were identified by means of the Dubna Gas Filled Recoil Separator. The measured decay properties show a strong rise of stability for heavier isotopes with Z>=111, validating the concept of the long sought island of enhanced stability for super-heavy nuclei."