Fission theory: Its relevance to the nuclear cross section data base

The development of fission reaction theory in relation to its predictive power in the calculation of neutron cross-sections is reviewed. The topics covered include the transition state spectrum and the channel theory; the discovery of complex topography in the fission barrier and the consequences of intermediate structure in fission cross-sections; the evidence of experimental data in parameterizing the fission barrier; and the role of other aspects of collective nuclear motion in controlling fission reaction rates. 51 refs., 6 figs