Pre-scission configuration of the tri-nuclear system at spontaneous ternary fission of ²⁵²Cf

The potential energy surface for the pre-scission configurations of tri-nuclear systems formed in the spontaneous ternary fission of ²⁵²Cf is calculated. The fission channel ⁷⁰Ni+⁵⁰Ca+¹³²Sn is chosen as one of the more probable channels of true ternary fission of ²⁵²Cf. A study of the collinear arrangement of the reaction products for true ternary fission is the aim of this work. The results are presented as a function of the relative distance R₁₂ between the centres of mass of ⁷⁰Ni and ¹³²Sn and the distance from the centre of mass of ⁵⁰Ca, which is perpendicular to R₁₂. The results show that only for a particular range of the R₁₂ values the collinear tripartion of the fissioning nucleus occurs. (orig.)