12 The Structure of Heavy Nuclei – from Lead to Superheavy Elements

Abstract

What do we know experimentally about the shell structure of heavy nuclei? Recently direct mass measurements to explore the heavy nuclei around lead have been carried out at the GSI experimental storage ring ESR. An interesting question is the persistence of the lead proton shell. Proceeding to the next closed shell above lead we reach the region of super heavy nuclei. Experimental results on the structure of the transactinide elements will be discussed together with the question how closely we already approached the region of superheavies.

The experimental background, the present situation, and perspectives will be presented.

Finally the recently approved GSI project for an extended new synchrotron facility will be outlined briefly with emphasis on nuclear structure experiments.