Investigations of resonance capture γ-ray spectra in the93Nb(n,γ)94Nb reaction

Abstract

Measurements have been made of high-energy capture gamma -ray spectra following neutron capture by 93Nb for discrete resonances up to 1 keV and for unresolved regions up to 6 keV, with the aim of investigating the reaction mechanism. Spin assignments have been made for s-wave and p-wave resonances using the low-level population method, and also using primary transitions. A determination of the neutron binding energy has been made, and a level scheme of 94Nb has been constructed for states up to 1520 keV populated by primary transitions. A significant correlation has been found between (d,p) intensities and average partial radiation widths to the same final states, for resolved p-wave resonances below 1 keV and for average regions at higher energies (up to 6 keV). The distributions of partial radiation widths for M1 and E1 transitions in s-wave and p-wave resonances were consistent with the Porter-Thomas prediction.