Doubly magic nucleus 270Hs

Investigating short-lived nuclei using rapid chemical separation and subsequent on-line detection methods provides an independent and alternative means to electromagnetic on-line separators. The predicted enhanced stability around 270Hs has major importance for the experimental investigation of superheavy elements by chemical means. Chemical separation of Hs in the form of HsO4 provides an excellent tool to study the formation reactions and nuclear structure of nuclei close to the deformed nuclear shells at Z=108 and N=162. Here we report on results of a recent Hs chemistry experiments performed at GSI Darmstadt. Element 108, hassium, was produced in the reaction 248Cm(26Mg,xn)274 xHs and chemically isolated. Observed decay chains were attributed to the decays of three different Hs isotopes - 269-271Hs. The observed decay properties provide strong indications for enhanced stability in this area of the heaviest known elements. New decay properties for these Hs isotopes and their daughters are discussed