Stability of the superdeformed Z=38 shell against exotic cluster decays: reinforcing and switching of shell gaps in nuclei

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Abstract
New nuclear structure effects concerning the stability of deformed shells are shown to be contained in exotic cluster decays. The superdeformed Z=38, 75Sr nucleus is found to be very stable against all cluster decays whereas the neighbouring and equally deformed Z=40, 80Zr is not so stable, at least for some clusters. This new result of a very stable deformed shape at Z(N)=38, and not at Z(N)=40, is understood as a switching and new reinforcement shell gap effect of Z=38 deformed shell on N=38 deformed shell. Other important consequences of this work on cluster radioactivity and the production of new and superheavy elements are also discussed.