Pre-equilibrium emission effect in (n,p) reaction cross-sections at 14.8 MeV

The influence of pre-equilibrium emission on (n, p) reaction cross-sections at 14.8 MeV has been studied. Cross-sections for (n, p) reactions have been measured by the activation technique at 14.8 .1; 0.5 MeV neutron energy. The experimental cross-section values have been compared with the calculated values at 14.8 MeV with and without considering the pre-equilibrium emission. Equilibrium calculations have been performed according to the statistical model of Hauser and Feshbach while the hybrid model has been used to include the pre-equilibrium contribution. Pre-equilibrium emission has been considered only in the first emission step. The comparison of experimental and calculated values clearly indicates the presence of pre-equilibrium emission.     

Calculations of the excitation functions and isomer ratios of the K(α, n)Sc reaction in the equilibrium and pre-equilibrium statistical models

Angular-momentum effects are incorporated in the pre-equilibrium statistical model using Williams' spin-dependent level density as a function of the particle and hole numbers. Excitation functions and isomer ratios for the ⁴¹K(α, n)⁴⁴Sc reaction are analyzed both in the equilibrium and pre-equilibrium models in the energy range 8 to 40 MeV. Conventional pairing-energy corrections are introduced and their influence on the pre-equilibrium decay is investigated. The results are compared with published experimental data. The best fit was obtained for almost-pure pre-equilibrium decay with the initial excited-particle-plus-hole number n_o = 5 when pairing corrections were taken into account. No success was achieved in fitting the decrease of the isomer ratios at high energies, which is probably caused by the contribution from direct processes.     

Neutron induced reactions in antimony isotopes at 14 MeV

Neutron activation cross-sections in antimony isotopes were measured at an incident neutron energy of 14.2±0.2 MeV. The versatile mixed powder technique and high resolution Ge(Li) detector gamma ray spectroscopy were employed. The measured cross-sections were compared with those reported in literature. The total (n, 2n) cross-sections were compared with the estimates based on statistical theory. The experimental values were found to be smaller than the statistical theory estimates and the resulting diminution was attributed to the precompound effects in (n, 2n) reactions at 14 MeV.     

Measurement and analysis of alpha particle induced reactions on gold

Stacked foil activation technique and Ge(Li) gamma ray spectroscopy have been used for the measurement of excitation functions of¹⁹⁷Au(α,xn) (x=1−3),¹⁹⁷Au(α,2pn) and¹⁹⁷Au(α,αn) reactions up to 50 MeV. The experimental cross-sections were compared with the predictions of pre-equilibrium hybrid model, as well as with the more recent index model. A general agreement was found in all reactions using initial exciton numbern ₀=4(4p0h) except for¹⁹⁷Au(α,n) reaction, where index model gives fairly good agreement withn ₀=5(5p0h).     

Calculation of excitation functions of the 5 4 , 5 6 , 5 7 , 5 8 Fe(p,n) reaction from threshold to 30 MeV

The cross-sections for the formation of ^54,56,57,58Co in the ^54,56,57,58Fe(p, n) reaction from threshold to 30 MeV protons have been theoretically calculated using the TALYS-1.4 nuclear model code, whereby we have studied major nuclear reaction mechanisms, including direct, pre-equilibrium and compound nuclear reaction. Subsequently, the level density and shell damping parameters have been adjusted and at the same time, the odd–even effects are well comprehended. The excitation functions have been compared with experimental nuclear data. It is observed that the theoretical cross-sections match fairly well. Proton-induced reaction cross-sections provide clues to understand the nuclear structure and offers a good testing ground for ideas about nuclear forces. In addition, complete information in this field is very much required for application in accelerator-driven subcritical system.     

Investigation of alpha particle induced reactions on thulium

Alpha particle induced reactions on the target element thulium were investigated up to 75 MeV, using foil-stack activation technique and Ge(Li) gamma ray spectroscopy method. Excitation functions for eight reactions of the type¹⁶⁹Tm(α, xn),x=1 − 4;¹⁶⁹Tm(α, pxn),x=3; and¹⁶⁹Tm(α, αxn),x=1, 2, 4 were investigated. Of these, four reactions¹⁶⁹Tm(α, p3n),¹⁶⁹Tm(α, αn),¹⁶⁹Tm(α, α2n)¹⁶⁹Tm(α, α4n), were studied for the first time and in the remaining four reactions, some 19 new energy-point cross-sections were measured for the first time. The experimental cross-sections were compared with the predictions of pre-equilibrium hybrid model, as well as the more recent index model, using the initial excition number,n ₀=4 (4p0h). Both the models show better agreement in respect of (α, xnyp) type of reactions. However they are equally bad for (α, αxn) type of reactions which involve theα-particle in the exit channels, and for which some direct reaction contributions are indicated.     

Study of η -production reaction πp → ηn in the near-threshold region⋆

The differential cross-sections (DCS) of the η -production reaction π^- p → ηn are measured at momenta of incident π^- mesons (700, 710 and 720MeV/c) close to the threshold of this reaction. The experiment is carried out at the pion channel of the PNPI synchrocyclotron (with the momentum spread of the pion beam equal to 1.5%) using the Neutral Meson Spectrometer (NMS) designed and created at the Meson Physics Laboratory for detecting two photons from the decay η → 2γ . This spectrometer consisting of two electromagnetic total absorption calorimeter (24 CsI(Na) crystals in each calorimeter) allowed to obtain the DCS in the whole angular range from 0^° to 180^° in the c.m.s. It is shown that at 700MeV/c the DCS angular dependence is isotropic, indicating on the S -wave character of the η -production process while at higher momenta a significant contribution of the D -wave has led to the anisotropic angular dependence having a bowl-like shape.     

Photo-neutron cross-section calculations of 142,143,144,145,146,150Nd rare-earth isotopes for (γ, n) reaction

The theoretical photo-neutron cross sections for (γ, n) reaction have been calculated on ^{142,143,144,145,146,150}Nd rare-earth isotopes at photon energies of 8–23 MeV using the PCROSS, TALYS 1.2, and EMPIRE 3.1 computer codes. TALYS 1.2 two-component exciton model and EMPIRE 3.1 exciton model has been used to calculate the pre-equilibrium photo-neutron cross sections. PCROSS Weisskopf-Ewing model has been used for the reaction equilibrium cross-section calculations. The obtained cross sections have been compared with each other and against the experimental values existing in the EXFOR database. Generally, pre-equilibrium model cross-section calculations are in good agreement with the experimental data for all reactions along the incident photon energy in this study.     

Cross-section measurements of (n, 2n) and (n, p) reactions on 124,126,128,130,131,132Xe in the 14 MeV region and theoretical calculations of their excitation functions

The reaction cross-sections of ¹²⁴Xe(n, 2n)¹²³Xe, ¹²⁶Xe(n, 2n)¹²⁵Xe, ¹²⁸Xe(n, 2n)¹²⁷Xe, ¹³⁰Xe(n, 2n)^129mXe, ¹³²Xe(n, 2n)^131mXe, ¹³⁰Xe(n, p)¹³⁰I, ¹³¹Xe(n, p)¹³¹I, and ¹³²Xe(n, p)¹³²I were measured at the 13.5, 13.8, 14.1, 14.4, and 14.8 MeV neutron energies. The monoenergetic neutrons were generated via the ³H(d,n)⁴He reaction at the China Academy of Engineering Physics using the K-400 Neutron Generator with a solid ³H-Ti target. A high-purity germanium detector was employed to measure the activities of the product. The reactions ⁹³Nb(n, 2n)^92mNb and ²⁷Al(n, α)²⁴Na were adopted for neutron flux calibration. The cross sections of the (n, 2n) and (n, p) reactions of the xenon isotopes were obtained within the 13–15 MeV neutron energy range. These cross-sections were then compared with the IAEA-exchange format (EXFOR) database-derived experimental data, together with the evaluation results of the CENDL-3, ENDF/B-VIII.0, JENDL-4.0, RUSFOND, and JEFF-3.3 data libraries, as well as the theoretical excitation function obtained using the TALYS-1.95 code. The cross-sections of the reactions (except for the ¹²⁴Xe(n, 2n)¹²³Xe and ¹³²Xe(n, p)¹³²I) at 13.5, 13.8, and 14.1 MeV are reported for the first time in this study. The obtained results are beneficial in providing better cross-section constraints for the reactions in the 13–15 MeV region, thus improving the quality of the corresponding database. Meanwhile, these data can also be used for the verification of relevant nuclear reaction model parameters.     

A study of pre-equilibrium emission of neutrons in <Superscript>93</Superscript>Nb(α, xn) reactions

With a view to study the pre-equilibrium emission mechanism in α-induced reactions the excitation functions for ⁹³Nb(α, n)^96m Tc, ⁹³Nb(α, n)⁹⁶Tc, ⁹³Nb(α, 2n)^95m Tc, ⁹³Nb(α, 2n)^95g Tc and ⁹³Nb(α, 3n)⁹⁴Tc reactions have been measured in the energy range threshold to ≈ 10MeV/nucleon using the activation technique. The measured excitation functions have also been compared with theoretical predictions based on the semi-classical code, which takes into account compound nucleus as well as pre-equilibrium emission. The analysis of the data indicates significant contribution from pre-equilibrium emission at these energies particularly in the high-energy tail portion of EFs. The effect of the variation of the parameters used in the code has been studied. The isomeric cross-section ratios have also been measured. It has been observed that the pre-equilibrium fraction increases rapidly with the increase in α-particle bombarding energy.     

Neutron skin effect of some Mo isotopes in pre-equilibrium reactions

The neutron skin effect has been investigated for even isotopes of molybdenum at 25.6 MeV ^{94 − 100}Mo(p, xn) reaction using the geometry-dependent hybrid model of pre-equilibrium nuclear reactions. Here the initial neutron/proton exciton numbers were calculated from the neutron/ proton densities obtained from an effective nucleon–nucleon interaction of the Skyrme type. Initial exciton numbers from different radii of even Mo isotopes were used to obtain the corresponding neutron emission spectra. In this investigation the calculated results are compared with the experimental data as also with each other. The results using central densities in the geometry-dependent hybrid model are in better agreement with the experimental data.     

New cross-section measurements for the (n, 2n), (n, p), and (n, α) reactions on bromine in the 14 MeV region with detailed uncertainty quantification

Measurement of the cross-sections of the ⁷⁹Br(n, 2n)⁷⁸Br, ⁸¹Br(n, p)^81mSe, ⁸¹Br(n, α)⁷⁸As, and ⁷⁹Br(n, α)⁷⁶As reactions was performed at specific neutron energies, precisely, 13.5±0.2, 14.1±0.2, 14.4±0.2, and 14.8±0.2 MeV, relative to the standard ⁹³Nb(n, 2n)^92mNb and ²⁷Al(n, α)²⁴Na reference reactions using offline γ-ray spectrometry and neutron activation. Monoenergetic neutrons were generated at the China Academy of Engineering Physics via a ³H(d, n)⁴He reaction using the K-400 Neutron Generator equipped with a solid ³H-Ti based target. The activity of the reaction produce was obtained using a high-purity germanium detector. The cross-sections of the (n, 2n), (n, p), and (n, α) reactions on the bromine isotopes were measured in the 13–15 MeV neutron energy range. The covariance analysis approach was employed for a thorough inspection of any uncertainties within the measured cross-section data. A discussion and comparison of the observed outcome were carried out with previously published data, especially with the results of the JENDL-4.0, JEFF-3.3, TENDL-2019, and ENDF/B-VIII.0 data libraries, along with the theoretical excitation function curve derived by employing the TALYS-1.95 program. Improved cross-section restrictions for the investigated processes in the 13–15 MeV neutron energy range will be obtained using the current findings, which will help to raise the caliber of associated databases. Furthermore, the parameters of relevant nuclear reaction models can be verified using this data.     

Quenching of metastable antiprotonic helium atoms in collisions with deuterium molecules

Quenching of metastable antiprotonic helium atoms in collisions with deuterium molecules has been studied using laser spectroscopy at CERN's new Antiproton Decelerator facility. The quenching cross-sections of the states (n, l )= (39, 36), (39, 37), and (39, 38) were determined from the decay rates of the states which were observed using the “deuterium-assisted inverse resonance” (DAIR) method. The results revealed a similar (n, l )-dependence of the quenching cross-sections as in the case of hydrogen but the values were smaller by a factor of ∼1.5. Received 6 July 2001     

The19F(n, γ)20F reaction

The gamma-ray spectrum emitted following thermal neutron capture in¹⁹F has been studied with curved crystal and Ge(Li) spectrometers. From the 109 transitions assigned to²⁰F, 85 have been placed in a level scheme containing 26 levels. An average gammaray multiplicity of 2.8 gammas per neutron capture was observed. The neutron binding energy was found to be 6601.33(14) keV. The experimental level scheme is compared to rotational model predictions. In addition it is shown that the decay of the capture state is non-statistical and that there is a strong correlation between the strengths of excitation of levels by the (n, γ) and (d, p) reactions. Calculations of the partial cross-sections using the direct capture theory of Lane and Lynn give order of magnitude agreement with experiment.     

Benford’s law and cross-sections of A(n,$ \alpha$)B reactions

Benford’s law, also called the first-digit law, states that in lists of numbers from many quite disparate databases, the leading digit is distributed in a non-uniform but actually logarithmic way. We have investigated the first-digit distribution of experimental cross-sections of A(n,a \alpha)B reactions. In the case of below-barrier a \alpha -particle emission from compound nucleus, it is found that the (n,a \alpha) reaction cross-sections approximately follow the first-digit distribution indicated by Benford’s law. The origin of this first-digit distribution is discussed within the framework of the statistical model. In addition, Benford’s law is used to test the evaluated cross-sections of A(n,a \alpha)B reactions.     

Measurement and analysis of alpha-induced reactions on Ta,Ag and Co

Excitation functions for the reaction¹⁸¹Ta (α,xn)^185−x Re,^107,109Ag (α, ypxn) and⁵⁹Co (α, ypxn) were obtained from measurements of residual activity of stacked foils from threshold to 60 MeV. The excitation functions for the production of¹⁸¹Re,¹⁸²Re,¹⁸³Re,¹⁸⁴Re,¹⁰⁵Ag,¹¹¹In,⁵⁴Mn,⁵⁶Co,⁵⁸Co, and⁶⁰Co, are being presented. The experimental data are compared with calculations considering equilibrium as well as pre-equilibrium reactions according to the hybrid model of Blann. High energy part of the excitation functions is dominated by the pre-equilibrium reaction mechanism. Calculations were done using a priori calculational method of Overlaid Alice Code of Blann. Most of the excitation functions in the energy range mentioned above could be very well fitted with the hybrid model calculation for exciton numbern=4 withn _p=2 andn _n=2. The overall agreement with theory is good. Certain discrepancies, however, indicate the necessity to revise the hybrid model with respect to emission of complex particles.     

C3+与Ne碰撞过程纯电离绝对截面的测量和研究

介绍了离子-原子碰撞过程中双微分绝对截面的计算方法.利用符合技术测量了中能区C³⁺+Ne碰撞系统的纯电离微分绝对截面. 将实验结果与多体经典蒙特卡罗方法计算结果进行对比后发现，纯电离截面随入射能量变化的趋势基本一致，对理论与实验产生差异的原因作了分析. 对多重电离的电离机制分析表明：高价态的反冲离子主要来自于俄歇贡献；随着入射能量的升高，电子-电子间的库仑作用也逐渐显现. 此实验方法可以用于相同实验装置上的各种反应出射道的绝对截面测量，入射离子种类及入射离子能量范围将得到拓展. 关键词： 离子-原子碰撞 绝对截面 纯电离     

Cumulative fission yield measurements with 14.7 MeV neutrons on 238U

The fission yield data in the 14 MeV energy neutron induced fission of ²³⁸U play an important role in decay heat calculations and generation-IV reactor designs. In order to accurately measure fission product yields (FPYs) of ²³⁸U induced by 14 MeV neutrons, the cumulative yields of fission products ranging from ⁹²Sr to ¹⁴⁷Nd in the ²³⁸U(n, f) reaction with a 14.7 MeV neutron were determined using an off-line γ-ray spectrometric technique. The 14.7 MeV quasi-monoenergetic neutron beam was provided by the K-400 D-T neutron generator at China Academy of Engineering Physics (CAEP). Fission products were measured by a low background high purity germanium gamma spectrometer. The neutron flux was obtained from the ⁹³Nb (n, 2n)^92mNb reaction, and the mean neutron energy was calculated using the cross-section ratios for the ⁹⁰Zr(n, 2n)⁸⁹Zr and ⁹³Nb(n, 2n)^92mNb reactions. With a series of corrections, high precision cumulative yields of 20 fission products were obtained. Our FPYs for the ²³⁸U(n, f) reaction at 14.7 MeV were compared with the existing experimental nuclear reaction data and evaluated nuclear data, respectively. The results will be helpful in the design of a generation-IV reactor and the construction of evaluated fission yield databases.