Charge distribution studies in the epi-cadmium neutron induced fission of ²³⁵U

For the first time, charge distribution studies have been carried out in the epi-cadmium neutron induced fission of ²³⁵U by measuring the fractional cumulative yields (FCY) and independent yields (IY) of various fission products. An off-line γ-ray spectrometric technique was used for the measurements. The average energy of the epi-cadmium neutron spectrum is 1.9 MeV. From the FCY values, the isobaric width parameter (σ_Z), most probable charge (Z_P) and the charge polarization (ΔΖ_EXPT) as a function of fragment mass were obtained. Similarly, from the IY values, isotopic width parameter (σ_A), the most probable mass (A_P) and the elemental yields (Y_Z) of Sn, Sb, Te, I, Xe, Cs, Ba, La, Ce and Pr were determined by using a non-linear fit. From the Y_Z values, the proton even-odd effect (δ_p) was obtained for the first time. The present data in the ²³⁵U(n, f) reaction were compared with the similar data in the ²³⁵U(n_th, f) and ²³⁸U(n, f) reactions as well as of other actinides to examine the role of excitation energy and pairing effect.