Search for Cluster Dacay of ~(230)U

230Pa can be produced via the 232Th(p,3n)reaction by 35 MeV proton bombardment of natural thorium. Pa is separated radiochemically and six thin sources of 230Paβ230U are prepared. The γ spectrum of Pa sources are measured by a HPGe detector. Using PETP trackrecording films, the rare 22Ne decay mode of 230U is discovered for the first time. The branching ratio (B) relative to α decay is B=λNe/λα=(1.3±0.8)×10-14 for 230U.