Asymmetric Fission in the Two-Center Model

Abstract

Four-dimensional potential energy surfaces have been calculated in the asymmetric two-center model for ${}_{}{}^{252}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{Fm}$, ${}_{}{}^{258}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{Fm}$, ${}_{}{}^{264}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{Fm}$, and ${}_{}{}^{236}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{U}$. Symmetric fission is found to be preferred in ${}_{}{}^{258}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{Fm}$, consistent with a recent observation; symmetric mass division is strongly preferred in ${}_{}{}^{264}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{Fm}$. Asymmetric fission is preferred in ${}_{}{}^{252}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{Fm}$, and in ${}_{}{}^{236}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{U}$ for which the fission path is investigated in more detail. The development of asymmetry in the fission of ${}_{}{}^{236}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{U}$ is described.