Charge distribution of light mass fission products in the fast neutron induced fission of Th, U, Pu and Cm.

Fractional cumulative yields (FCY) of various light mass fission products in the fast neutron induced fission of Th, U, Pu and Cm have been determined by using the off-line γ-ray spectrometric technique. From present and literature data, width of isobaric charge distribution (σ), the most probable charge (Z) and the experimental charge polarization (∆Ζ) as a function of fragment mass were deduced. The ∆Ζ values from the present work for light mass chains and earlier work for heavy mass chains show oscillating nature due to nuclear structure effect. The ∆Ζ values based on minimum potential energy surface were theoretically calculated, which shows a systematic decrease trend with the approach of symmetric split due to the liquid drop behaviour of the fissioning nucleus.