Spin-orbit symmetry potential and the stability of superheavy elements

Experimental and theoretical evidence favors a spin-orbit symmetry potential which has a sign opposite to the corresponding term of the central potential. Only one of the potentials employed in recent calculations of the stability of superheavy elements is in accord with the sign. The shell correction term for the nucleus ²⁵⁴(126)₂₂₈ is changed by 2 MeV when an extrapolation based on the experimentally observed symmetry term is used rather than the standard extrapolation.[NUCLEAR STRUCTURE Effect of the experimentally determined spin-orbit symmetry potential on the spherical shell correction term of superheavy elements.]