NUCLEAR INSTRUMENTS & METHODS IN PHYSICS RESEARCH SECTION A-ACCELERATORS SPECTROMETERS DETECTORS AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT
Issue Date:
2014
Abstract(summary):
A new method of searching for neutron clusters (multineutrons) composed of neutrons bound by nuclear forces has been introduced and implemented. The method is based on the search for daughter nuclei that emerge at the nuclei cluster decay of Cf-252 to neutron clusters. The effect of long-time buildup of daughter nuclei with a high atomic number and long half-life was utilized. The results are interpreted as evidence of the cluster decay of Cf-252 to daughter nucleus U-232 (half-life of T-1/2= 68.9 years). The emergence of U-232 is attributed to emission of neutron clusters consisting of eight neutrons - octaneutrons. The emission probability of octaneutrons against alpha-decay probability of Cf-252 is defined equal to lambda(C)/lambda(alpha) = 1.74 x 10(-6). (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.