Cross sections and isomeric ratios in the photoproduction of 44Sc from heavier nuclei

Abstract

The yields and isomeric yield ratios in the photoproduction of 44Sc from 45Sc, 55Mn, Fe, 59Co and 75As have been measured by activation methods in the energy region 100–800 MeV. Mean cross sections and isomeric cross-section ratios in the energy region 250–800 MeV have been deduced and the number of valence neutrons available for the (γ, n) reaction estimated. The experimental cross sections are compared both to cascade-evaporation calculations based upon the free-nucleon photopion cross sections and to cross sections calculated with a semi-empirical formula. The isomeric cross-section ratios are compared to calculations based on the statistical formalism by Huizenga and Vandenbosch together with cascade-evaporation theory.