Decayless Nuclei: The Rare Stable Nuclei with Potential Applications

Decayless is a term used in nuclear physics to describe a nucleus that does not undergo radioactive decay, meaning it does not emit radiation or transform into another nucleus over time. This can occur when the nucleus has a stable configuration of protons and neutrons, or when it is bound by strong nuclear forces that prevent it from breaking apart.

In contrast, many other nuclides do undergo radioactive decay, emitting alpha, beta, or gamma radiation as they transition to more stable configurations. Decayless nuclei are rare in nature, but they have been observed in certain types of radioactive decays, such as in the case of some isotopes of certain elements like thorium and uranium.

Decayless nuclei can be interesting for a variety of reasons, including their potential applications in nuclear energy and medicine. For example, some decayless isotopes have been proposed as possible fuel cycles for advanced nuclear reactors, while others have been investigated for their potential use in cancer treatment. However, the study of decayless nuclei also presents challenges, such as the need for specialized detection techniques and the difficulty of predicting their properties and behavior.