Light-ion production in the interaction of 96 MeV neutrons with carbon

TL;DR

This study measures light-ion production cross sections in carbon when bombarded with 96 MeV neutrons, providing new experimental data and comparing it with theoretical models to identify discrepancies.

Contribution

The paper presents new experimental measurements of light-ion production cross sections at 96 MeV neutron energy and compares these with existing models and data, highlighting discrepancies.

Findings

Measured cross sections show significant differences from theoretical predictions.

Data supports trends observed at lower energies for light-ion production.

Experimental techniques and data reduction procedures are detailed.

Abstract

Double-differential cross sections for light-ion (p, d, t, 3He and alpha) production in carbon induced by 96 MeV neutrons have been measured at eight laboratory angles from 20 degrees to 160 degrees in steps of 20 degrees. Experimental techniques are presented as well as procedures for data taking and data reduction. Deduced energy-differential, angle-differential and production cross sections are reported. Experimental cross sections are compared with theoretical reaction model calculations and experimental data in the literature. The measured particle data show marked discrepancies from the results of the model calculations in spectral shape and magnitude. The measured production cross sections for protons, deuterons, tritons, 3He, and alpha particles support the trends suggested by data at lower energies.