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arXiv · 1210.1189

Neutron-induced gamma-ray production cross sections for the first excited-state transitions in Ne-20 and Ne-22

Abstract

Background: Neutron-induced reactions are a significant concern for experiments that require extremely low levels of radioactive backgrounds. Measurements of gamma-ray production cross sections over a wide energy range will help to predict and identify neutron backgrounds in these experiments. Purpose: Determine partial gamma-ray production cross sections for neutron-induced reactions in natural neon. Methods: The broad-spectrum neutron beam at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) was used for the measurement. Gamma rays from neutron-induced reactions were detected using the GErmanium Array for Neutron Induced Excitations (GEANIE). Results: Partial gamma-ray cross sections were measured for the first excited-state transitions in Ne-20 and Ne-22. The measured cross sections were compared to the TALYS and CoH3 nuclear reaction codes. Conclusions: These are the first experimental data for (n,n') reactions in neon. In addition to providing data to aid in the prediction and identification of neutron backgrounds in low-background experiments, these new measurements will help refine cross-section predictions in a mass region where models are not well constrained.

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BibTeXRIS

S. MacMullin, M. Boswell, M. Devlin, S. R. Elliott, N. Fotiades, V. E. Guiseppe, R. Henning, T. Kawano, B. H. LaRoque, R. O. Nelson, J. M. O'Donnell. 2012-10-03. Neutron-induced gamma-ray production cross sections for the first excited-state transitions in Ne-20 and Ne-22. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevc.86.067601

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