Tracking down nuclear fission's elusive scission neutron with a supercomputer

This article explores groundbreaking research conducted by physicists from the University of Washington and Los Alamos National Laboratory, using the Summit supercomputer to simulate the elusive scission neutrons emitted during nuclear fission. Despite being theorized for decades, the characteristics of scission neutrons had remained unclear due to the complexity of the nuclear “neck rupture” process. By running quantum many-body simulations, the researchers discovered that scission neutrons are emitted in distinct patterns, with neutrons being released sideways during the neck rupture, and additional waves emitted as the nuclear fragments separate. These findings contradict some previous assumptions and provide the most accurate model yet of nuclear fission dynamics. The research not only confirms the existence of scission neutrons but also reveals their energetic properties and emission directions, contributing valuable insights into nuclear physics and enhancing the understanding of fission processes. Future experiments will test these predictions.

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