Method of searching for neutron clusters

A new method of searching for neutron clusters (multineutrons) composed of neutrons bound by nuclear forces has been introduced and implemented. The method is based on the search for daughter nuclei that emerge at the nuclei cluster decay of 252Cf to neutron clusters. The effect of long-time build-up of daughter nuclei with a high atomic number and long half-life was utilized. The results are interpreted as evidence of the cluster decay of 252Cf to daughter nucleus 232U (half-life of T1/2= 68.9 years). The emergence of 232U is attributed to emission of neutron clusters consisting of eight neutrons – octaneutrons. The emission probability of octaneutrons against α-decay probability of 252Cf is defined equal to λC/λα=1.74×10−6.