Post-Neutron Mass Yield Distribution in the Epi-Cadmium Neutron–Induced Fission of ²³⁸Pu

AbstractThe cumulative and independent yields of various fission products within the mass range of 78 to 157 have been measured in the epi-cadmium neutron–induced fission of 238Pu by using an off-line γ-ray spectrometric technique. The lower yield of 136I than the usual trend indicates the formation of delayed neutron emitter 137I. From the cumulative yields, post-neutron mass chain yields were obtained by using the charge distribution correction. From the mass yield data, the peak-to-valley (P/V) ratio, the full-width at tenth-maximum of light and heavy mass wings, the average light mass and heavy mass as well as the average number of neutrons <ν> emitted were obtained. The mass chain yield data in the 238Pu(n,f) reaction were compared with similar data of the 238Pu(nth,f) reaction to examine the role of excitation energy on the nuclear structure effect and P/V ratio.Keywords: 238Pu(n,f) reaction = 1.9 MeVmeasured fission product yieldsmass chain yield distributionoff-line γ-ray spectrometric technique AcknowledgmentsWe are thankful to R. H. Iyer, BARC, for his keen interest and support during this work. The authors are also thankful to the staff members of the reactor APSARA at BARC for their help in providing the irradiation facility and successfully carrying out the irradiations during the experiment.Disclosure StatementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).