The quest for superheavy nuclei: covariant density functional theoretical perspective

In covariant density functional theory (CDFT), the nucleus is described as a system of nucleons which interact by the exchange of different mesons. I will review recent progress in the study of superheavy and beyond elements within the CDFT framework. The understanding of such nuclei and physics behind it is important not only for nuclear structure and nuclear reactions but also for nuclear astrophysics. This is because the ground state and fission properties of such nuclei on neutron-rich side of nuclear landscape are important for the termination of the r-process. I will focus on three topics. First, the general situation with the description and predictions of the properties of superheavy nuclei in the CDFT framework will be reviewed. Second, the analysis of the impact of dynamical correlations on ground state and fission properties of such nuclei will be presented. Third, the ongoing efforts on global improvement of the performance of covariant energy density functionals and the description of superheavy nuclei will be discussed. In addition, the improvements in the pairing channel of the CDFT which strongly affects the fission properties will be considered. The existing challenges and potential ways of their resolution will be addressed.