Abstract

A single, unifying measurement of the $^{239}\mathrm{Pu}$ capture cross section from 1 keV to 1.3 MeV has been performed for the first time using the Detector for Advanced Neutron Capture Experiments (DANCE) at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE). The experimental method combines a prior experiment's characterization of prompt fission $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays in conjunction with a fission tagging detector with a separate experiment using a thick $^{239}\mathrm{Pu}$ sample to extract the neutron capture cross section in ratio to $^{239}\mathrm{Pu}(n,f)$. We have made new predictions of the capture cross section taking into account recent results for the $M1$ scissors mode present in other actinides. The results show deviations from current evaluations which are 30% higher at the highest energies, and will be used to improve calculations relevant for several applications.

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