Excitation function of theNb93(n,2n)Nb92mreaction from threshold to 24 MeV

Abstract

The cross sections for formation of {sup 92}Nb{sup m} in the {sup 93}Nb(n,2n){sup 92}Nb{sup m} reaction induced by 9 to 24 MeV neutrons have been theoretically estimated using the TALYS-1.0 computer program. The variations of the cross sections with the level densities and effective imaginary potential were also studied to obtain the best fit of the excitation function. It is observed that the theoretical cross sections match fairly well with the experimental cross sections reported in literature only when both contributions from negative and positive parity levels of {sup 92}Nb are considered. The results of the present study reveal that the approach of the earlier worker to neglect the contributions of the low-lying negative parity energy levels in the formation of {sup 92}Nb{sup m}, in order to match the theoretical cross sections with the experimental cross sections cannot be an obvious solution, particularly when the gamma rays emitted by {sup 92}Nb nuclei in the transition from negative parity levels have been measured.