The isotopic dependence of two-quasiparticle isomeric states in Fm and No is treated for future experiments. The population of the isomeric states in evaporation residues is considered. In several even isotopes of Rf, Sg, Hs, and Ds, the $K$ isomers and their decay modes are predicted. An $\alpha$-decay chain through the isomeric states of superheavy nuclei is demonstrated for the first time and proposed for the experimental verification.

• Received 2 November 2009

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.81.024320