Further search for superheavy elements in nature with neutron multiplicity scintillation counter

Abstract We have measured neutron multiplicities emitted by a large number of natural samples as an indication of the presence of superheavy elements. Such elements are expected to emit some 10 neutrons in their spontaneous fission compared to ≤4 for all known nuclides. We used a neutron multiplicity scintillation counter which had been placed in a tunnel under some 250 m of rock and dirt to minimize neutron multiplicities resulting from reactions of cosmic ray muons with heavy atomic nuclei. The samples included K, Cr, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, Ag, Ce, Pt, Au, Hg, Pb ores, ore concentrates, ore residues, as well as iron meteorites and some ultra basic rocks. We conclude that our results were negative within the accuracy of our measurements.