Direct Determination of Fission-Barrier Heights Using Light-Ion Transfer in Inverse Kinematics

We demonstrate a new technique for obtaining fission data for nuclei away from beta stability. These types of data are pertinent to the astrophysical r process, crucial to a complete understanding of the origin of the heavy elements, and for developing a predictive model of fission. These data are also important considerations for terrestrial applications related to power generation and safeguarding. Experimentally, such data are scarce due to the difficulties in producing the actinide targets of interest. The solenoidalspectrometer technique, commonly used to study nucleon-transfer reactions in inverse kinematics, has been applied to the case of transfer-induced fission as a means to deduce the fission-barrier height, among other variables. The fission-barrier height of 239U has been determined via the 238U(d, pf) reaction in inverse kinematics, the results of which are consistent with existing neutron-induced fission data indicating the validity of the technique.

Automated summary

We present a novel technique for obtaining fission data for nuclei that are not in beta stability. These data are important for understanding the astrophysical r process, the origin of heavy elements, and developing predictive models for fission. They are also relevant for terrestrial applications in power generation and safeguarding. The solenoidal spectrometer technique, commonly used for studying nucleon-transfer reactions in inverse kinematics, has been successfully applied to deduce the fission-barrier height of 239U via the 238U(d, pf) reaction, confirming the validity of this technique.