For most atomic nuclei, the maximum number of neutrons that can be bound is unknown. The discovery of two neutron-rich nuclei — and the confirmed absence of others — might help solve this conundrum.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
References
Baumann, T. et al. Nature 449, 1022–1024 (2007).
Audi, G., Wapstra, A. H. & Thibault, C. Nucl. Phys. A 729, 337–676 (2003).
Lunney, D., Pearson, J. M. & Thibault, C. Rev. Mod. Phys. 75, 1021–1082 (2003).
Notani, M. et al. Phys. Lett. B 542, 49–54 (2002).
Lukyanov, S. M. et al. J. Phys. G 28, L41–L45 (2002).
Möller, P., Nix, J. R., Myers, W. D. & Swiatecki, W. J. Atomic Data Nucl. Data Tables 59, 185–381 (1995).
Samyn, M., Goriely, S., Bender, M. & Pearson, J. M. Phys. Rev. C 70, 044309 (2004).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Heenen, PH. Neutrons cross the line. Nature 449, 992–993 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1038/449992a
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/449992a
- Springer Nature Limited