Electron and Nucleon Localization Functions of Oganesson: Approaching the Thomas-Fermi Limit

Phys Rev Lett. 2018 Feb 2;120(5):053001. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.120.053001.

Abstract

Fermion localization functions are used to discuss electronic and nucleonic shell structure effects in the superheavy element oganesson, the heaviest element discovered to date. Spin-orbit splitting in the 7p electronic shell becomes so large (∼10 eV) that Og is expected to show uniform-gas-like behavior in the valence region with a rather large dipole polarizability compared to the lighter rare gas elements. The nucleon localization in Og is also predicted to undergo a transition to the Thomas-Fermi gas behavior in the valence region. This effect, particularly strong for neutrons, is due to the high density of single-particle orbitals.