Scattering of slow neutrons by arsenic and selenium isotopes

Coherent neutron scattering lengths and free cross sections were measured for arsenic, for ordinary selenium and its isolated isotopes. By means of the Cristiansen filter technique the following scattering lengths for the bound atoms were obtained (in fm):b(As) =6.58(1) [b ₊=6.04(5) andb _?=7.47(8)],b(Se)=7.970(9),b(⁷⁶Se)=12.2(1),b(⁷⁷Se) =08.25(8),b(⁷⁸Se)=8.24(9),b(⁸⁰Se)=7.48(3) andb(⁸²Se)=6.34(8). Transmission measurements with neutrons of 1.26 eV and 5.19 eV resulted in an energy independent free scattering cross section for arsenic ofσ _{s, t}=5.40(3)b (in the eV-region). For ordinary selenium energy dependent free cross sections ofσ _{s, t}(1.26 eV)=7.9(1)b andσ _{s, t} (5.19 eV)=7.55(3)b were found. The results were compared with the resonance parameters of the nuclei and with different sets of potential scattering radii. Thus it could be concluded that there is no evidence for a bound state of the neutron-nucleus compound⁷⁵As+n but a clear evidence for strong bound levels of⁷⁶Se+n and⁷⁷Se+n.     

Interactions of slow neutrons with the chromium isotopes

Neutron transmission experiments and determinations of coherent scattering lengths were performed on natural chromium and enriched samples of⁵⁰Cr,⁵²Cr,⁵³Cr and⁵⁴Cr. By means of the Christiansen-filter-technique we obtained new values for the scattering lengths of the bound atoms:b(^natCr)=3.635±0.007 fm,b(⁵⁰Cr)=?4.50±0.05 fm,b(⁵²Cr)=4.914±0.015 fm,b(53Cr)=?4.20±0.03 fm, andb(⁵⁴Cr)=4.55±0.10 fm. The transmission experiments with neutrons of 510 ΜeV, 1.26 eV and 5.19 eV energy resulted in data for the absorption cross sectionσ _a (^natCr) =3.05±0.08 b and for the scattering cross section at “zero energy”:σ ₀ (^natCr)=3.381±0.010 b. Data for incoherent and spin-state scattering and for the potential-scattering radius of the nuclei could be deduced from these results.     

Interaction of slow neutrons with the isotopes of molybdenum

Coherent neutron scattering lengths and total cross sections were measured on samples of ordinary Mo and isotopically enriched samples. From the experiments with neutrons of 0.57 meV and 1.26 eV the following values have been obtained:

1. the coherent scattering lengths (in fm) of the bound atoms of Mo (6.715±0.020) and for the isotopes with the mass numbers 92 (6.93±0.08), 94 (6.82±0.07), 95 (6.93±0.06), 96 (6.22±0.06), 97 (7.26±0.08), 98 (6.60±0.07) and 100 (6.75±0.07);
2. the incoherent scattering cross section at zero-energy for ordinary Mo: σ_i=0.02 ± 0.02 barn;
3. the absorption cross sections (in barn) for Mo (2.48 ± 0.04) and for the isotopes with the mass numbers 95(13.4 ± 0.3), 97(2.5 ± 0.2) and 100(0.4 ± 0.2). The relation of the present results to the resonance parameters of the neutron — Mo interaction has been discussed.

     

Scattering of slow neutrons by bound nuclei

TheT-operator for scattering of slow neutrons by a system of bound nuclei is calculated up to quadratic terms in the scattering length. Binding effects as well as effects of multiple scattering have to be included in order to avoid inconsistencies. For the discussion of binding effects one can adopt methods developed by Dietze and Nowak [1] for treating scattering by an elastically bound nucleus. In particular the case of coherent elastic scattering is discussed: we show how the corrections can be expressed in terms of correlation functions and that binding effects are most important for scattering by light nuclei.     

Spin orbit interaction and polarization of slow neutrons

It is shown that the spin orbit (LS) interaction of an anomalous magnetic moment is twice that of a Dirac moment. In neutron scattering this interaction leads to an imaginary spindependent scattering amplitude. Possible experiments are discussed, where interference ofLS scattering and nuclear scattering in crystals without inversion symmetry leads to detectable neutron polarization.     

Interaction of slow neutrons with natural terbium,holmium and erbium and its isotopes

Coherent neutron scattering lengths and total cross sections have been measured on samples of ordinary Tb, Ho and Er and on isotopically enriched Er-compounds. From the experiment the following data were obtained:

• - the coherent scattering lengths (in fm) of the bound atoms ¹⁵⁹Tb(7.34 ± 0.02), ¹⁶⁵Ho(8.44 ± 0.03), ^ordEr(7.79 ± 0.02), ¹⁶²Er(9.01 ± 0.11), ¹⁶⁴Er(7.95 ± 0.14), ¹⁶⁶Er(10.51 ± 0.19), ¹⁶⁷Er(3.06 ± 0.05), ¹⁶⁸Er(7.43 ± 0.08), and ¹⁷⁰Er(9.61 ± 0.06)
• - the thermal absorption cross sections (in b) ¹⁴¹Pr(12.7 ± 0.6), ^ordNd(58 ± 1), ¹⁵⁹Tb(30 ± 2), ¹⁶⁵Ho (65 ± 2), ^ordEr (145 ± 2), ¹⁶⁶Er (18 ± 2), ¹⁶⁷Er(568 ± 9), ¹⁶⁸Er(2.3 ± 0.3), and ¹⁷⁰Er(15 ± 1). In combination with the resonance parameters, the measured coherent scattering lengths allowed the determination of potential scattering radii R′ which are of particular interest for the optical model theory.

     

Scattering of thermal phonon pulses by isotopes in silicon

The pure ballistic propagation of acoustic phonons in crystals at low temperatures can be described within anisotropic continuum acoustics. One needs only the elastic constants and mass densities to calculate the time-dependent spectral phonon irradition of the bolometer for a given radiator pulse power and detector/radiator geometry. We extend this treatment by including single isotope-scattering events for the phonons in a (111)-cut silicon disk on their flight from the radiator to the detector. Using the earlier experimentally determined polarization and frequency dependent phonon absorption in the bolometer metal, the instantaneous temperature of the bolometer can be calculated from this irradiation. This allows a direct comparison with measured bolometer temperatures using exactly the same transmission or reflection arrangement as in calculation. A very satisfying agreement is observed in the expected range of single phonon scattering.     

Anomalies in orientation interaction of slow neutrons with nuclei and the problem of neutron molecule existence

Based on the Dirac equation, the features of long-range electromagnetic orientational interaction of slow neutrons with even-even and even-odd nuclei are considered. This interaction is controlled by a narrow potential barrier arranged beyond the nucleus. The barrier height is U _tot = 20–40 eV and depends on Z, A, and the nucleus magnetic moment μ_nucl. The barrier formation is associated with the ponderomotive nonlinear interaction of the anomalous neutron moment with the nucleus electric field. The barrier transparency for thermal neutrons is D(E) ≈ 0.8–0.95. For cold neutrons, the barrier transparency and their reaction cross sections with nuclei sharply decrease and, at E → 0, their cross sections tend toward zero. It was shown that the combined effect of the magnetic dipole-dipole and ponderomotive interaction of the neutron and even-odd nucleus results in the formation of removed symmetrically positioned potential wells for neutrons beyond the nucleus. The presence of these wells results in the possible existence of short-lived or virtual nucleus-neutron molecules and the “neutron halo” effect beyond the nucleus.     

Interaction of slow neutrons with natural Rutenium,Rhodium, Cadmium and Thallium and some of their isotopes

By means of Christiansen filter technique the following bound coherent neutron scattering lengths were obtained:^natRu:b=7.02 ± 0.02 fm¹⁰⁸Cd:b=5.31 ± 0.24 fm¹⁰³Rh:b=5.90 ± 0.04 fm¹¹⁰Cd:b=5.78 ± 0.08 fm^natTl:b=8.773 ± 0.015 fm¹¹¹Cd:b=6.47 ± 0.08 fm²⁰³Tl:b=8.51 ± 0.08 fm¹¹²Cd:b=6.34 ± 0.06 fm²⁰⁵Tl:b=8.87 ± 0.07 fm¹¹⁴Cd:b=7.48 ± 0.05 fm¹¹⁶Cd:b=6.26 ± 0.09 fm In combination with some total cross section measurements with neutrons in the eV-energy range and with the compiled resonance parameters we deduced consistent sets of spin state scattering lengths and potential radii.     

Interactions of neutrons with gallium and its isotopes

Coherent neutron scattering lengths and total cross sections were measured on elemental Ga, Ga-compounds and on isotopically enriched samples at neutron energies from 0.5 meV up to 143 keV using different techniques. From the experimental data the following quantities could be obtained:

the coherent scattering length of Ga and the spin state scattering lengths of the isotopes.

the potential scattering radii (R′)

the absorption cross sections of Ga,⁶⁹Ga,⁷¹Ga and⁷⁵As.

As derived quantities are given the coherent and incoherent cross sections and the resonance spin scattering lengths for theJ=1 andJ=2 states of⁷⁰Ga and⁷²Ga. The physical meaning of these data and ofR′ and the comparison with the resonance parameters are considered.     

Interaction of neutrons with zinc and its isotopes

Coherent neutron scattering lengths and total cross sections have been measured for elemental Zn,Zn-compounds and on isotopicly enriched samples for neutron energies from 0.5 meV up to 143 keV using different techniques. From the experimental data the following quantities were obtained:

the coherent scattering lengths (b in fm) of Zn (5.689±0.014);⁶⁴Zn (5.23±0.04);⁶⁶Zn (5.98±0.05);⁶⁷Zn (7.58±0.08;b ₊=9.4±0.5/5.8±0.5;b _?=5.0±0.7/10.1±0.7);⁶⁸Zn (6.04 ±0.03);

the potential scattering radii (R′ in fm) of Zn (6.2±0.2),⁶⁴Zn (6.0±0.3) and⁶⁶Zn (6.2 ±0.3);

the absorption cross sections (σ _γ at 0.025 eV in barn) of Zn (1.11±0.02);⁶⁴Zn (1.1 ±0.1) and⁶⁶Zn (0.62±0.06).

Derived quantities are the “zero energy” scattering cross sections (σ ₀ in barn) for Zn (4.128±0.010) and⁶⁷Zn (7.8±0.3) and the incoherent bound cross sections of Zn (0.061 ±0.023) and⁶⁷Zn (0.6±0.4). In the epithermal region the Zn-cross section can be described by introduction of two strong bound levels of⁶⁷Zn+n for which estimated parameters are given.     

Interaction of low-energy neutrons with Nd isotopes

Low-energy neutron data for even-even isotopes 1^142–150Nd are considered. It is shown that the diffuseness parameter noticeably changes in going from one isotope to another (from a = 0.55 fm for ¹⁴²Nd to a = 0.75 fm for ¹⁵⁰Nd), which agrees with the theoretical indications of a decrease in the skin thickness for nuclei with closed shells. The analysis points to the possible existence of the semimagic number Z = 58.     

Spatial spin resonance of polarized neutrons. A tunable slow neutron filter

The present paper is concerned with the physical properties of the phenomenon of spatial spin resonance (SSR) of polarized neutrons and its applications. The SU(2) group provides a mathematical tool for the theoretical discussion of SSR. The experimental work made use of the WWR-M reactor at the Leningrad Nuclear Physics Institute of the USSR Academy of Sciences.The theoretical analysis of SSR is based, in physical terms, on the concept of two distortion scales of the alternating magnetic field in the frame of reference of a moving neutron, playing the principal role in SSR. A period of the alternating magnetic field is adopted as a unit of scale. Large- scale distortions correspond to a region of the resonance spectrum in the vicinity of the principal resonance maximum, whereas small-scale distortions are mapped in zones away from this maximum.An analysis has enabled us to calculate and design resonators with which it is possible to act on specified parts of the resonance spectrum. These modified resonators are provided by the so-called “shaped meander” and “double meander” configuration, which permit the suppression of the subsidiary maxima and the high-order resonance spectrum. Some applications of these resonators are presented as devices for monochromatization of a polarized thermal neutron beam.     

Focussing of slow neutrons with cylindrical zone plates

We report on the successful focussing of a slow neutron beam by means of a cyclindrical Fresnel zone plate.     

Ultracold neutrons and the interaction of waves with moving matter

The present review is focused on the problem of interaction of neutron waves with moving matter. The validity of the 1/v law for ultracold neutrons and the possibility to characterize the interaction of neutrons with matter using the effective potential were verified in the so-called null Fizeau experiments. A neutron wave in such experiments propagates through a flat sample that moves parallel to its edges. The observation of effects caused by this motion provides evidence that the concept of constant effective potential is not correct. The second part of the review deals with the prediction and the first observation of the accelerated matter effect (a change in the energy of neutrons in passing through a refractive sample that moves with an acceleration directed along or opposite the direction of neutron propagation). The characteristic features of this phenomenon in the case of birefringent material are considered. In conclusion, the problem of propagation of neutron waves in matter moving with giant acceleration is discussed.     

The scattering of slow neutrons by cobalt

Different techniques have been used to determine with slow neutrons the coherent scattering amplitude b_c and the total scattering cross-section σ_sc of Co. We found values for the bound atom b_c=2.78+0.04 fm and for the free nucleus σ_sc=5.95+0.05 barns.From these quantities, the spin state scattering amplitudes b₊ and b_? corresponding to the compound nucleus states of spin I+1/2 or I?1/2 have been determined as b₊=?2.78±0.04 fm and b_?=+9.91±0.06 fm. These results are not in agreement with previous data, but they are found to be consistent with data obtained from resonance parameters.     

Measuring fluence of fast neutrons with planar silicon detectors

The results of measurements of 1-MeV (Si) equivalent fast neutron fluence with silicon planar detectors are reported. The measurement method is based on the linear dependence of the reverse detector current increment on the neutron fluence: ΔI = α _I × Φ × V. This technique provides an opportunity to measure the equivalent fluence in a wide dynamic range from 108 to 10¹⁶ cm^–2 with an unknown neutron energy spectrum and without detector calibration. The proposed method was used for monitoring in radiation resistance tests of different detector types at channel no. 3 of IBR-2 and for determining the fluence of fission and leakage neutrons at the KVINTA setup.     

Interactions of slow neutrons with nuclides of antimony,tellurium and iodine

Coherent neutron scattering lengths and total cross sections have been measured on samples of ordinary Sb, Te, I and on isotopically enriched compounds. From the experimental data for neutron energies of 0.57 meV, 1.26 eV and 5.2 eV the following data were obtained: the coherent scattering lengths (in fm) of the bound atoms Sb (5.57±0.03);¹²¹Sb(5.71±0.06),¹²³Sb(5.38±0.07); Te(5.80±0.03) and for its isotopes of the mass number 122(3.8±0.2); 123(?0.05±0.25?i·0.100); 124(7.95±0.10); 125(5.01±0.08); 126(5.55±0.07); 128 (5.88±0.07); 130(6.01±0.07). the thermal absorption cross sections (in barn) for Sb(4.91±0.05);¹²¹Sb(5.77±0.12);¹²³Sb(3.8±0.2); Te(4.05±0.05) and I(6.15±0.06). The combination of the measured values of scattering lengths and -cross sections resulted in data for coherent and incoherent cross sections. Taking account of resonance data a complete set of spin state- and reconance scattering lengths has been obtained and discussed.