Random probability analysis of heavy-element data

In this paper, we present the Monte Carlo Random Probability (MCRP) calcula tional method details that were developed for the determination of random c orrelations in a set of unrelated data. After finding random correlations, we further process the correlations by applying nuclear property systematic s. We compare the results of MCRP with methods presented in other reference s. The MCRP method can provide a conservative estimate of the random probab ility associated with observed events that takes into account the entire ba ckground observed in the experiment and ally other running conditions (nois e, decay of long-lived species, etc.) which may have been sporadic or inter mittent. We discuss a particular example of a set of correlated alpha decay s and its interpretation as a candidate decay chain. (C) 2000 Elsevier Scie nce B.V. All rights reserved.