Neutron total and scattering cross sections of 6Li in the low-MeV range

Abstract

Neutron total cross sections of 6Li are measured at intervals of ≲ 10 keV from ≈ 0.1 to 4.8 MeV with precisions of ≈ 1 to 3 %. Differential elastic scattering cross sections are measured at intervals of ≲ 100 keV from 1.5 to 4.0 MeV at 10 or more scattering angles distributed between ≈ 20 and 160 deg. Differential inelastic scattering cross sections are measured at selected angles in the energy range 3.5 to 4.0 MeV. The experimental results are analyzed in terms of R-matrix theory and the model parameters used to deduce the 6 Li(n,α) cross sections. The implications of the measurements and their interpretation on the level structure of 7Li and the reaction mechanisms are discussed.