Measurement of alpha-induced reaction cross-sections for $^{nat}$Zn with detailed covariance analysis

TL;DR

This study measures alpha-induced reaction cross-sections for natural zinc isotopes, compares results with existing data and models, and performs detailed uncertainty and covariance analysis to improve nuclear reaction understanding.

Contribution

It provides new experimental cross-section data for alpha-induced reactions on natural zinc and includes comprehensive covariance and uncertainty analysis, enhancing data reliability.

Findings

Cross-sections measured in the 14-37 MeV alpha energy range.

Comparison with TENDL-2019 and previous data shows good agreement.

Detailed covariance analysis improves understanding of uncertainties.

Abstract

The production cross-section of $^{68}$Ge, $^{69}$Ge, $^{65}$Zn and $^{67}$Ga radioisotopes from alpha-induced nuclear reaction with $^{nat}$Zn have been measured using the stacked foil activation technique followed by the off-line $\gamma$-ray spectroscopy in the incident alpha energy range 14-37 MeV. The obtained nuclear reaction cross-sections are compared with previous experimental data available in the EXFOR data library, evaluated nuclear data from TENDL-2019 and theoretical results, calculated using TALYS nuclear reaction code. We have also performed the detailed uncertainty analysis for these nuclear reactions and their respective correlation metrics are presented. Since $\alpha$-induced reactions are important in nuclear medicine and developing the nuclear reaction codes so needful corrections related to the coincidence summing factor and the geometric factor have been considered during the data analysis in the present study.