Excitation functions of proton-induced reactions on natural Nd and production of radionuclides relevant for double beta decay: Completing measurement in 5-35 MeV energy range

TL;DR

This study measured proton-induced reaction cross-sections on natural neodymium across 5-35 MeV, filling gaps in data to improve radionuclide production estimates relevant for double beta decay experiments.

Contribution

It provides comprehensive excitation function data for proton reactions on neodymium in the 5-35 MeV range, completing previous measurements and aiding radionuclide production calculations.

Findings

Identified production thresholds and secondary maxima/minima in excitation functions.

Provided data consistent with previous measurements.

Enhanced accuracy in calculating radionuclide yields for double beta decay research.

Abstract

Cross-sections for the proton-induced reactions on natural neodymium in energy regions 5-10 MeV and 30-35 MeV were measured using the cyclotron U-120M at the Nuclear Physics Institute at Rez near Prague. This measurement completes the investigation previously done in the 10-30 MeV energy range. Results revealed practical production thresholds and secondary maxima and minima in the excitation functions. It allowed for more appropriate calculation of thick target yields and production rates of many longer-lived radionuclides potentially disturbing the search for neutrinoless double beta decay. Measured cross-sections are consistent with our previously published data.