Structure of 3P size resonance in neutron strength functions

Abstract

Neutron capture cross sections of 21 nuclei have been determined using the activation technique and an antimony-beryllium photoneutron source. The nuclei have been selected in the mass range 60 < A < 140 so as to cover the 3P size resonance region of neutron strength functions. Using the latest available data on the low energy resonance parameters, the P-wave neutron strength functions of the 21 isotopes are extracted, and found to be in general agreement with similar isotopic values reported in literature. The values of experimental P-wave neutron strength functions in the 3P resonance region (60 < A < 140) are compared on the one hand with the theoretical predictions of Fiedeldey and Frahn and on the other with those of Buck and Perey. The shape and structure of the 3P size resonance, as revealed experimentally, are found to agree better with the predictions of Fiedeldey and Frahn, who assumed twice the normal spin-orbit force in their calculations.