Bremsstrahlung emission accompanying ternary fission of \(^{252}\)Cf

Abstract

In ternary fission, bremsstrahlung photons are emitted but those have never been studied yet theoretically and experimentally. In other reactions, bremsstrahlung has been studied for a long time. To clarify which new information about ternary fission can be obtained from study of bremsstrahlung emission accompanying the ternary fission of \(^{252}\)Cf. A new quantum model of emission of bremsstrahlung photons accompanying ternary fission of heavy nuclei with \(\alpha \) particle as light charged particle is developed. The model takes into account geometry and dynamics of ternary fission. We present the theoretical results on the bremsstrahlung emission in the ternary fission of the \(^{252}\)Cf nucleus. High sensitivity of the bremsstrahlung spectra is established by the model concerning to the following aspects of the ternary fission, and the theoretical calculations are in agreement with the preliminary experimental data. It is found that: (a) Photons are emitted with highest intensity in case of perpendicular motion of the \(\alpha \) particle concerning to fission axis; (b) Relative motion between heavy fragments reinforces significantly bremsstrahlung, leaving of \(\alpha \) particle concerning to system of heavy fragments is less important; (c) Relative motion between two heavy fragments is faster, bremsstrahlung is more intensive. Theoretical study of bremsstrahlung in ternary fission of the \(^{252}\)Cf nucleus shows high sensitivity of bremsstrahlung spectra on the geometry and dynamics of ternary fission process. It is expected that new information can be obtained by the model when new experimental measurements of bremsstrahlung in ternary fission of the \(^{252}\)Cf nucleus are available.