EXPERIMENTAL EVIDENCES OF CLUSTERING IN LOW EXCITED HEAVY NUCLEAR SYSTEMS

Results of the experiments aimed at revealing of manifestations of collinear cluster tripartition (CCT) of the Cf-252 and U-236* nuclei are reported. Presumably, the ternary decay of nuclear molecules based on heavy magic clusters such as isotopes of Ni, Ge, Sn, Te gives rise to the effect observed. Experimental conditions allow one to distinguish two CCT partners flying almost in the same direction, while analysis of their charges ensures the discrimination of the background due to scattering. A total yield of the CCT originated events found at the order of 10(-3) per binary fission.