Systematic calculations on the $\alpha$-decay half-lives of heavy and superheavy nuclei are performed within a deformed version of the cluster model, using the modified two-potential approach. The deformed Woods-Saxon potential is employed to calculate the $\alpha$-decay width through a deformed barrier. For comparison the calculated $\alpha$-decay half-lives in the empirical relations are also presented. The present study is initially restricted to even-even nuclei in the heavy mass region with $N>126$. Then the study is extended to the recently observed heaviest nuclei, including synthesized superheavy elements and isotopes. The $\alpha$-decay half-lives obtained are found to be in good agreement with the experimental data.

• Received 24 January 2011

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.83.044317