178m2Hf isomer production cross-sections for Ta target irradiated by α-particles in the energy range from 36 to 92 MeV

Abstract

178m2Hf isomer production cross-sections were measured when natural tantalum targets were irradiated by alpha particles in the energy range of 36–92 MeV. The simulations of these cross-sections in the TALYS-1.4 code showed that the main contribution to the 178m2Hf isomer production is given by (α, αp2n), (α, 3p4n) and (α, 3Hep3n) nuclear reactions. In the range of α-particle energies of 58–92 MeV, the theoretical results coincided well with the experimental ones, and based on this, the cross-sections of the 178gHf ground state production were estimated. allowing to calculate the isomer ratios as well. The obtained values are in good agreement with the trend of changes for the isomer ratios obtained in the nuclear reactions with lower-energy alpha particles and other targets.