# The total neutron production from the alpha induced reaction on natural Zirconium

## TL;DR

This study measures neutron production from alpha particle reactions on natural Zirconium up to 40 MeV, combining experimental data and theoretical estimates to improve understanding of neutron yields in reactor environments.

## Contribution

It provides the first measurement of the isomeric cross section ratio for $^{95}Nb$ production and estimates total neutron yields using both experimental and theoretical methods.

## Key findings

- Measured neutron production cross sections up to 35 MeV
- Estimated total neutron yield using TALYS 1.96
- First reported isomeric cross section ratio for $^{95}Nb$

## Abstract

A significant amount of alpha particles, upto $\sim$ 35 MeV are produced in the reactor environment. Alpha induced reaction on natural Zirconium, a reactor component, upto 40 MeV has been measured using stacked foil activation technique. The total neutron production cross section from all possible channels for $\alpha$ energies upto 35 MeV is also estimated using TALYS 1.96. The isomeric cross section ratio for the production of the radionuclide $^{95}Nb$ has been measured and reported for the first time.