Cross-sections of photoneutron reaction $^{\rm nat}$Mo($\gamma,x$n)$^{\rm 93m}$Mo at the bremsstrahlung energy up to 95 MeV

TL;DR

This study measured the photoneutron reaction cross-sections for natural molybdenum up to 95 MeV and compared them with theoretical predictions, revealing significant discrepancies.

Contribution

First experimental determination of flux-averaged cross-sections for $^{nat}$Mo($,x$n)$^{93m}$Mo at bremsstrahlung energies up to 93 MeV and comparison with TALYS-based models.

Findings

Experimental cross-sections determined for the first time.

Significant differences found between experimental data and theoretical models.

Discrepancies suggest need for improved nuclear reaction modeling.

Abstract

The photoproduction of the $^{\rm 93m}$Mo nucleus on natural molybdenum was studied using the electron beam of the LUE-40 linac RDC "Accelerator" NSC KIPT. Measurements were performed using the activation method and off-line $\gamma$-ray spectrometric technique. For the $^{\rm nat}$Mo($\gamma,x$n)$^{\rm 93m}$Mo reaction the experimental flux-averaged cross-section <$\sigma(E_{\rm \gamma max})$>$_\rm m$ at the bremsstrahlung end-point energy range of 38--93 MeV was first time determined. The theoretical values of the yields $Y_{\rm m,g}(E_{\rm \gamma max})$ and flux-averaged cross-sections <$\sigma(E_{\rm \gamma max})$>$_{\rm m,g}$ for the $^{\rm nat}$Mo($\gamma,x$n)$^{\rm 93m,g}$Mo reactions were calculated using the cross-sections $\sigma(E_{\rm \gamma})$ from the TALYS1.96 code for different gamma strength functions and level density models. The comparison showed strong discrepancies between the experimental values and the theoretical results of <$\sigma(E_{\rm \gamma max})$>$_m$.