We have measured γ rays in coincidence with ${}_{}{}^{12}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{C}$ fragments from the fission of ${}_{}{}^{56}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{Ni}$ produced with the ${}_{}{}^{32}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{S}$${+}^{24}$Mg reaction at ${\mathit{E}}_{\mathrm{lab}}$=140 MeV. These data provide insight into the fission process in this light system by giving information about the energy and spin sharing between the ${}_{}{}^{12}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{C}$ and ${}_{}{}^{44}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{Ti}$ fragments, and the spin alignment of the lighter, ${}_{}{}^{12}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{C}$ fragment. The spin transfer and the nuclear ‘‘temperature’’ at scission deduced from this measurement can be related to the compound-nucleus spin and potential energy at scission. The results indicate a statistical decay process consistent with the predictions of the transition-state model employing newer estimates of the spin- and mass-asymmetry-dependent saddle-point energies and corresponding shapes. No evidence is found for the spin alignment of the ${}_{}{}^{12}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{C}$ fragments, contrary to what might be expected for a deep-inelastic scattering origin of the fully energy damped yields.

• Received 27 November 1989

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.41.R1901