N, p and n, np reactions with 14 MeV neutrons

Abstract

Measurements of the energy spectra of protons emitted in n, p and n, np reactions with 14 MeV neutrons are described. The spectra are taken at four different angles in the case of Ni, Cu, Mo, and Ag. The results are compared with other results in the domain of the nuclear reactions at intermediate energy. The mechanisms responsible for the various reactions can be shortly indicated: 1) instantaneous effects: the forward emitted high energy particles are due to such effects. 2) non equilibrium escape is responsible for the main part of the spectra and for emission at any angle. The escape is supposed to be due to the strong interactions between few excited nucleons at the nuclear surface; 3) retarded emission, probably after stabilized equilibrium is reached, will explain the emission of protons by mediumA nuclei and of neutrons when incident energy is below 18 MeV. Values of temperatures of ∼ 1 MeV are found. In n, 2n and n, np reactions strong emission of protons competes in some cases with neutron emissions. The role of surface conditions in this retarded emission is enlightened.