Photonuclear reactions $^{nat}$Ni($\gamma$,xn)$^{57}$Ni and $^{nat}$Ni($\gamma$,xn)$^{56}$Ni in the energy range E$_{{\gamma}max}$ = 35...94 MeV

TL;DR

This study measures photonuclear reaction cross-sections for nickel isotopes over 35-94 MeV, comparing experimental results with theoretical models to extend existing data in this energy range.

Contribution

First experimental measurement of flux-averaged cross-sections for nickel photonuclear reactions in the 35-94 MeV range, validated against theoretical calculations.

Findings

Experimental cross-sections obtained for $^{nat}$Ni reactions.

Comparison shows reasonable agreement with TALYS and literature data.

Results extend the energy range of known photonuclear data.

Abstract

The total bremsstrahlung flux-averaged cross-sections <$\sigma$(E$_{{\gamma}max}$)> for the photonuclear reactions $^{nat}$Ni($\gamma$,xn)$^{57}$Ni and $^{nat}$Ni($\gamma$,xn)$^{56}$Ni have been measured in the range of end-point energies E$_{{\gamma}max}$ = 35...94 MeV. The experiments were performed with the beam from the NSC KIPT electron linear accelerator LUE-40 with the use of the activation and off-line $\gamma$-ray spectrometric technique. The calculation of the flux-average cross-sections <$\sigma$(E$_{{\gamma}max}$)>$_{th}$ was carried out using the partial cross-section values $\sigma$(E) computed with the TALYS1.95 code and bremsstrahlung $\gamma$-flux calculated by GEANT4.9.2. The experimental results are compared with theoretical calculations and data from the literature. The obtained <$\sigma$(E$_{{\gamma}max}$)> values expand the energy range of previously known experimental data.