Charge distribution of light mass fission products in the 232U(nth, f), 238Pu(nth, f) and 244Cm(SF) reactions

Fractional cumulative yields (FCY) of various light mass fission products in the 232U (nth, f), 238Pu(nth, f) and 244Cm(SF) reactions were measured by using an off-line γ-ray spectrometric technique. The values of most probable charge (ZP) were obtained by using the width of isobaric charge distribution (σZ) of nearby fissioning systems with proper apportion. From the ZP values, the experimental charge polarization (ΔΖEXPT) as a function of fragment mass were also deduced. The ΔΖEXPT 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 ΔΖMPE 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. •FCY of various light mass fission products in the 232U(nth, f), 238Pu(nth, f) and 244Cm(SF) reactions were measured.•ZP and ∆ZEXPT values as a function of fragment mass were deduced from the FCY values.•The ∆ZEXPT values show an oscillating nature as a function of fragment mass due to nuclear structure effect.•The ∆ZEXPT values also show a systematic decreasing trend with the approach of symmetric split besides the oscillating nature.