Measurement of (n, xnγ) reaction Cross-sections on natural lead using in-beam gamma-Ray spectroscopy

Abstract

New concepts in nuclear reactor technology require precise neutron reaction data in the intermediate and high energy range. At present, experimental and evaluated nuclear data, particularly for (n, xn) reactions, are very scarce. Moreover, real discrepancies exist between different databases. The lack of experimental data is essentially due to the difficulty of measuring (n, xn) reactions. No universal method applicable to all isotopes exists. One of the possible methods is the in-beam y-ray spectroscopy and neutron time of flight technique on white neutron beams. In this way one actually directly measures (n, xny) reaction cross-sections. These serve as a starting point in the subsequent derivation of (n, xn) reaction cross-sections using nuclear models. This method was applied with a natural lead sample at me GELLNA white neutron beam facility in Geel, Belgium.