Correction of photoneutron data for neutrons produced by Compton-scattered photons

Abstract

Using a Monte Carlo method we calculate cross sections for the production of photoneutrons in cylindrical targets by photons Compton-scattered once or twice within the target. Calculated “Compton photoneutron cross sections” are of order 5% of corresponding nuclear photoneutron cross sections for 15.0 g/cm 2 D 2O, 6LiH and 7Li targets and hence must be allowed for when comparing integrated photonuclear cross sections with theoretical sum rule estimates. The effect of the Compton photoneutron corrections on structure in photonuclear cross sections is small.