Angular correlations of prompt $\gamma$ rays in binary and light-charged-particle (LCP)-accompanied spontaneous fission of ${}^{252}\mathrm{Cf}$ were measured with a $4\pi$-crystal-ball NaI(Tl) $\gamma$-ray spectrometer. For ${}^3\mathrm{H}$, ${}^4\mathrm{He}$, ${}^6\mathrm{He}$, Li, and Be accompanied fission, $\gamma$-ray angular distributions were deduced with respect to the motion both of the fragments and the LCPs. There is no indication for a change of the fragment spin alignment by the LCP release or for a correlation between the LCP direction and a bending motion at scission, as was argued in previous investigations. Consequences for the understanding of fragment spin formation are briefly discussed.

• Received 10 July 1998

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.82.303