A Problem in the Statistical Description of Beta-Delayed Neutron Emission

TL;DR

This paper discusses the challenges in statistically describing beta-delayed neutron emission and proposes developing an integrated nuclear data workflow to improve understanding of gamma and neutron emissions from fission products.

Contribution

It introduces a new integrated workflow connecting nuclear shell model codes with reaction models to better analyze beta decay and emission data.

Findings

Initial experiments show unexpected gamma overabundance.

Development of an integrated data workflow is underway.

Theoretical explanations for gamma overabundance are still lacking.

Abstract

Reaction measurements on fission products are being planned at both Argonne National Lab and at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams. These indirect experiments produce specific short-lived nuclei via beta decay, and the subsequent neutron and gamma emission are studied. Some initial experiments found a surprising overabundance of gamma emission, which theory has yet to explain. To remedy this, we are developing an integrated nuclear data workflow that connects advanced nuclear shell model codes for describing the beta decay with a contemporary nuclear reaction model code.