Charge distribution of light mass fission products in the U(n, f), Pu(n, f) and Cm(SF) reactions.

Fractional cumulative yields (FCY) of various light mass fission products in the U (n, f), Pu(n, f) and Cm(SF) reactions were measured by using an off-line γ-ray spectrometric technique. The values of most probable charge (Z) were obtained by using the width of isobaric charge distribution (σ) of nearby fissioning systems with proper apportion. From the Z values, the experimental charge polarization (ΔΖ) as a function of fragment mass were also deduced. The ΔΖ values for the light mass chains from the present work and for the heavy mass chains from earlier work show an oscillating nature in the interval of five mass units, which is due to even-odd effect. A local effect around the shell region for some mass chains and a systematic decreasing trend with the approach of symmetric split was also observed. The ΔΖ values based on minimum potential energy surface were theoretically calculated, which also shows a systematic decreasing trend with the approach of symmetric split due to the liquid drop behaviour of the fissioning nucleus.