Neutron scattering lengths and cross sections of the barium isotopes

Coherent neutron scattering lengths and total cross sections have been measured for barium compounds and on isotopically enriched samples for neutron energies from 0.5 meV up to 132 eV using different techniques. From the experimental data the following quantities were obtained:

the coherent scattering lengths (in fm) of Ba (5.07±0.03) and of the isotopes with mass numbers 130 (?3.6±0.6); 132 (7.8±0.3); 134 (5.7±0.1); 135 (4.66±0.10); 136 (4.90 ±0.08); 137 (6.82±0.10); and 138 (4.83±0.08).

the absorption cross sections σ_γ (at 0.025 eV in barn): of Ba (1.1±0.1) and of the isotopes: 130 (30±5); 136 (0.68±0.17); 137 (3.6±0.2); and 138 (0.27±0.14).

zero-energy scattering cross sections for Ba and the isotopes 136, 137 and 138. On the basis of these data, the isotopic- and spin-incoherent cross sections and the (s)-resonance contributions to the coherent scattering lengths have been determined and discussed.