Angular distribution of the fragments of fast-neutron fission of nuclei

The amplitudes of the quadrupole and hexadecapole components of the angular distribution of the fragments from nuclear fission induced by neutrons with energies E/sub n/ approx. <6 MeV are estimated. The stability of these amplitudes against variations in the optical transmission factors for neutrons is established. It is shown that the ratio of these amplitudes and also the nature of their dependence on the degree of orientation of the target nuclei are sensitive to the form of the fission-probability distribution over the component K of the spin J of the fissioning nucleus along the axis of separation of the fragments. This sensitivity can be used to verify the statistical model for the formation of the anisotropy in the angular distribution of the fragments