Fragments' mass and energy characteristics in the spontaneous fission of 236Pu, 238Pu, 240Pu, 242Pu, and 244Pu

Abstract

The results of a systematic study of the mass and energy of fission fragments emitted in the spontaneous fission of 236,238,240,242,244Pu are reported. A comparison of the fragments' mass and energy distributions demonstrates the occurrence of different fission modes with varying relative probability. These results are discussed in terms of the random neck rupture model as well as in terms of the scission point model, showing the influence of the neutron number of the fissioning system. Finally an improved method of analysis allows the investigation of the cold fission region.