Over the past decade, new superheavy elements were produced using a 48Ca on actinides reaction, resulting in over 50 new isotopes with Z=104-118 and A~265-300.  These short-lived elements have yet to decay into nuclides with known masses, preventing mass identification.  We are constructing a new mass analyzer that allows for direct mass measurement.  This instrument, using the Berkeley Gas-filled Separator as a pre-separator, will obtain a mass sensitivity greater than 1 amu.  The analyzer relies on crossed electric and magnetic fields to disperse the masses.  To guide the design, simulations for this mass separation scheme were conducted, allowing to optimize for mass separation prior to device construction.  By simulating the flight path for five masses about A=289, we show that mass separation and identification is indeed possible. Once the analyzer is completed, the headline experiment will be the direct mass identification of 289114, the first ever such measurement.

Development of a new mass analyzer for superheavy elements

244th National Meeting (2012)

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