Mean first passage time for fission potentials having structure

Abstract

A schematic model of over-damped motion is presented which permits one to calculate the mean first passage time for nuclear fission. Its asymptotic value may exceed considerably the lifetime suggested by Kramers rate formula, which applies only to very special, favorable potentials and temperatures. The additional time obtained in the more general case is seen to allow for a considerable increment in the emission of light particles.

Comments: 7 pages, LaTex, 7 postscript figures; Keywords: Decay rate, mean first passage time