Systematics of nuclear level density parameters of nuclei deficient in one neutron

Photoneutron mean energies of 38 elements were measured as a function of peak bremsstrahlung energy for elements with 23 ≦ Z ≦ 83. Results are compared with neutron mean energies calculated from statistical theory, using for nuclear level densities modified Fermi gas formulae with and without pairing corrections and a constant temperature formula. Except near closed shells the Fermi gas formula with pairing corrections gives reasonable to good correlation between experimental and theoretical data. Derived values of the nuclear level density parameter a-except near Z = 82-are in quantitative agreement with those from recent neutron resonance data.