Photoactivation at a clinical LINAC: The 197Au(gamma,n)196Au reaction slightly above threshold

TL;DR

This study demonstrates that a clinical LINAC can be effectively used for photoactivation experiments, specifically measuring the 197Au(gamma,n)196Au reaction, offering a practical alternative to traditional photon sources.

Contribution

It introduces the use of a clinical LINAC for photoactivation cross section measurements above the neutron threshold, highlighting its stability and efficiency.

Findings

Photon intensity comparable to conventional sources

Stable operation allows for extensive photoactivation studies

Effective measurement of 197Au(gamma,n)196Au reaction

Abstract

The properties of a clinical LINAC are investigated for a study of photoactivation cross sections slightly above the neutron threshold. As an example, the photoactivation of a tiny amount of gold by the 197Au(gamma,n)196Au reaction has been measured. The derived photon intensity is at least comparable to conventional and widely used photon sources. In combination with its extremely stable operation, a clinical LINAC ensures that photoactivation studies can be performed for a wide number of targets with very limited beamtime.