Measurement of (n, α) cross-sections for short-lived products by 13.4–14.9 MEV neutrons

Abstract

Twelve (n,α) activation cross-sections leading to short-lived nuclei with half-lives between 37s and 15 min were measured in the energy range between 13.4 and 14.9 MeV by the activation method. The measured reactions involved the isotopes of 26Mg, 30Si, 31P, 54Cr, 63Cu, 64Ni, 69Ga, 71Ga, 87Rb, 89Y, 104Ru and 112Cd as the target. The intense 14 MeV neutron source facility (OKTAVIAN) at Osaka University was used for irradiation. The γ-rays emitted from the irradiated samples were measured with high-purity germanium detectors. All cross-section values were obtained relative to the standard cross-section of the 27Al(n,α) 24Na reaction. The cross-sections of three reactions were measured for the first time. The present experimental data were discussed by comparing them with previously reported experimental data and the evaluated data of JENDL-3 and ENDF/B-VI. Six evaluated items of data in JENDL-3 show reasonable agreement (within 7%), but the evaluation of the 26Mg(n,α) reaction is 25% higher than our data. Two items of evaluation data of ENDF/B-VI agree well, and one agrees within 25%.