Post-Neutron Mass Yield Distribution in the Epi-Cadmium Neutron-Induced Fission of 239Pu

Abstract

In the epi-cadmium neutron-induced fission of 239Pu, cumulative and independent yields of various fission products within the mass ranges of 83 to 117 and 123 to 156 have been measured by using an off-line gamma-ray spectrometric technique. The spectrum average neutron energy is 1.9 MeV. Charge distribution correction on the cumulative yields was applied to obtain their post-neutron mass yields. Mass yield distribution parameters such as the peak-to-valley (P/V) ratio, the full-width at tenth-maximum of light and heavy mass wings, the average light mass <AL> and heavy mass <AH>, and the average neutron number <ν> were obtained. The mass yields in the epi-cadmium and thermal neutron–induced fission of 239Pu were compared to examine the role of excitation energy on the P/V ratio and the nuclear structure effect.