Method for the study of neutron emission from light fragments in intermediate energy heavy-ion collisions

Abstract

A procedure has been worked out for the study of neutron emission from the projectile-like fragments in intermediate energy heavy-ion collisions. We suggest presenting the collinear fragment-neutron coincidence data as relative velocity spectra. In 14N + 165Ho collisions at 35 MeV/u these spectra show that most of the neutrons are emitted via a few excited states of the light fragments. By comparison with Monte Carlo simulations which, in addition to the experimental details, take explicit account of kinematic effects, the excitation spectra for the major isotopes of Li, Be, B and C are explained.