Proton emission from nuclei due to neutron interactions

The energy spectra of protons emitted in neutron bombardment of Al²⁷ is analysed in terms of the statistical model and volume direct interaction. It is found that the diffuseness of the nuclear potential or the form of level density used does not alter the shape of the energy spectra very much. The available experimental data agree fairly well with theory. The contribution of direct interaction is seen to be small and hence does not alter the general shape of the spectra. The direct interaction cross-section obtained from the measurements of the angular distribution in the case of iron and copper agree reasonably well with theory.