IIT Roorkee contributes to discovery of new superheavy element isotope Sg-257
PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Roorkee
Researchers have discovered a new superheavy isotope, Seaborgium-257 (Sg-257), pushing the boundaries of nuclear physics and our understanding of the universe. This path breaking experiment was conducted at the GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research in Germany, with a key contribution from Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, Department of Physics faculty member M Maiti. This pioneering work has been published in the prestigious journal Physical Review Letters.
Using powerful accelerators and state-of-the-art detection technologies, the international team successfully synthesised Sg-257, a superheavy element not found in nature. The discovery provides critical insights into how atoms behave at the limits of stability, directly contributing to the global scientific quest for the “island of stability” — a zone in the nuclear landscape where superheavy elements could potentially have longer, usable lifespans.
“This discovery is an important step in nuclear physics. It helps us understand why some elements survive longer and how nuclear forces behave in extreme conditions,” said Maiti, who was part of the international research team.
Superheavy elements such as Sg-257 have extremely short half-lives, often lasting only milliseconds before decaying. However, each discovery provides scientists with valuable knowledge about atomic structure and nuclear forces, fuelling the possibility of eventually creating more stable heavy elements. While immediate applications are limited, the insights gained could inform advanced materials, energy research, and novel medical technologies in the future.
“This landmark discovery shows India’s growing role in cutting-edge nuclear research. IIT Roorkee is proud to be part of such global scientific milestones. It echoes our vision of pursuing excellence in fundamental science that benefits society and inspires the next generation,” IIT Roorkee director Kamal Kishore Pant said.
