Measurements of energy integrated cross sections for reactions producing relatively short-lived radionuclides using neutron beams with an energy range of 0.1–750 MeV

Abstract

Energy integrated cross sections for neutron-induced reactions producing relatively short lived radionuclides were measured using ‘white’ neutron beams with an energy range of 0.1–750 MeV at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE). Cross sections for neutron-induced reactions are needed as input to the theoretical models used to understand the production of the radionuclide and stable isotopes produced by cosmic ray interactions with extraterrestrial bodies. Although most primary cosmic rays are protons, significant quantities of short- and long-lived radionuclides and stable isotopes are produced by spallation reactions initiated by secondary neutrons produced in primary cosmic ray interactions. Materials irradiated contained the elements commonly found in lunar rocks and meteorites, including SiO 2 (for O), Si, CaCO 3 (for Ca), Al, Mg, Fe, Ni and KNO 3 (for K).