The role of neck degree of freedom in nuclear fission

The dynamics of nuclear fission is investigated using Langevin equations in order to study the role of the neck degree of freedom in fission. The time-dependent fission widths are calculated in both one (with only elongation coordinate) and two (with elongation plus neck) dimensions. A quantitative estimate is also made of the distribution of the fission trajectories in two dimensions. Comparing the results from one and two-dimensional calculations, we find that the stationary fission widths are nearly the same in both the calculations. However, the most probable fission path beyond the saddle ridge in two dimensions deviates considerably from that in one dimension.