From first to second minimum: Parity-dependent level densities in ${}^{240,242}$Pu

Abstract

We calculate the parity-dependent level density ratios for ${}^{240,242}$Pu across a broad range of quadrupole deformations, from the spherical configuration up to the superdeformed region, explicitly including both the ground-state minimum and the second minimum (fission isomer). The parity-equilibration energy, defined as the excitation energy at which positive- and negative-parity level densities approach equilibrium, is compared between configurations. A significant reduction is observed near the second minimum, indicating a faster equilibration process in this region.