Neutron Emission in Deep-Inelastic Collisions of ${}_{}{}^{16}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{O}$ on ${}_{}{}^{93}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{Nb}$ at 204 MeV

Spectra and angular distributions of neutrons in coincidence with light fragments produced in deep-inelastic collisions of ${}_{}{}^{16}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{O}$ on ${}_{}{}^{93}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{Nb}$ at 204 MeV have been measured. A significant number of neutrons are emitted in the forward direction with beamlike velocities. Fits of detailed spectra and angular distributions were not possible if one assumed evaporation from accelerated fragments. This presents the first direct evidence for nonequilibrium neutron emission in deep-inelastic reactions.