Neutron Yield Calculation from ($\alpha,n$) Reactions with SOURCES4

TL;DR

This paper evaluates the accuracy of the SOURCES4 code in calculating neutron yields and spectra from ($ alpha,n$) reactions relevant to underground experiments, by comparing its predictions with experimental data.

Contribution

It demonstrates the application of SOURCES4 with updated cross-sections and compares its neutron yield predictions against experimental measurements.

Findings

SOURCES4 provides neutron yield estimates consistent with experimental data.

The code accurately predicts energy spectra of neutrons from ($ alpha,n$) reactions.

Comparison highlights areas for potential improvement in modeling nuclear reactions.

Abstract

Neutrons can induce background events in underground experiments looking for rare processes. Neutrons in a MeV range in deep underground laboratories are produced in spontaneous fission processes and ($\alpha,n$) reactions. A number of computer codes are available to calculate cross-sections of ($\alpha,n$) reactions, branching ratios to various states and neutron yields. We have used the SOURCES4 code to calculate neutron yields and energy spectra with input cross-sections and branching ratios taken from experimental data and calculations based on EMPIRE2.19/3.2.3 and TALYS1.9. We report here a comparison of SOURCES4 calculations with experimental data obtained with alpha beams with fixed energies.