New binary and ternary spontaneous modes for 252Cf and new band structures with gammasphere

Prompt γ-γ-γ coincidence studies following spontaneous fission of 252Cf were carried out at Gammasphere first with 36 and later with 72 Ge detectors. Yields and neutron multiplicities were measured directly for Sr-Nd, Zr-Ce Mo-Ba, Ru-Xe, and Pd-Te correlated pairs. A new hot fission mode was discovered going via only 108Mo-144Ba, 107Mo-145Ba, and/or 106Mo-146Ba pairs where one or more of 144,145,146Ba are hyperdeformed at scission with 3:1 axis ratio. For the first time correlated pairs involved in cold ternary fission were observed with the third particle 4He, possibly 6He, and 10Be. The 142-146Ba data provide evidence for the predicted disappearance of stable octupole deformation at high spins. New level structures and isotopes include new octupole deformations, identical bands and other structures.