To state the title question perhaps more precisely:What is the largest photon energy E γ and the corresponding mass number A and atomic number Z of a suitable nucleus Z A X (presumably in a ground state) such that the hypothetical reaction Z A X + γ → ( Z − z ) ( A − a ) Y + whatever remains (with combined charge + z )is "kinematically" forbidden for any values 1 ≤ a &lt; A and Z ≥ z ≥ Z + a − A,while conforming to the standard model?

Question

To state the title question perhaps more precisely:What is the largest photon energy       E          γ       and the corresponding mass number   A and atomic number   Z of a suitable nucleus               Z    A    X (presumably in a ground state) such that the hypothetical reaction              Z    A    X  +  γ  →                    (      Z      −      z      )              (      A      −      a      )        Y  +  whatever remains (with combined charge  +  z  )is &quot;kinematically&quot; forbidden for any values   1  ≤  a  &amp;lt;  A and   Z  ≥  z  ≥  Z  +  a  −  A,while conforming to the standard model?

Bryant Liu · Accepted Answer

Nuclear physics is at the realm of quantum mechanics, fission and fusion are reached when the quantum mechanical solution for the reaction nucleus+photon--&amp;gt; A+B+C .... fragment nuclei gives a measurable probability. It will be a different problem for different nuclei that will require a quantum mechanical model for its solution.The process of fission by gammas is called photofission and is used for detecting fissionable materials. The gamma ray energies used are:&quot;Since the photofission cross section for most fissionable materials drops to near zero for incident photon energies of less than 6 MeV, a source of photons with a higher energy is needed, for example 9 MeV.&quot;

Ace Duran · Accepted Answer

The atom with the highest binding energy per nuclei is Nickel-62 with a binding energy of 8.7945MeV. As there exist photons at that energy, it is theoretically possible to break the binding energy of Nickel-62 with a photon, thus rendering it two smaller atoms. I cant find any evidence that this has been done before though. As there exist no atoms with a greater binding energy, this is the theoretical maximum photon energy.

To state the title question perhaps more precisely: What is the largest photon energy E_γ and the corresponding mass number A and atomic number Z of a suitable nucleus ^A_ZX

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