Cross Sections for Gamma-Ray Production by 14-MeV Neutrons

Abstract

Cross sections for the production of gamma rays by bombardment with 14.2-MeV neutrons were measured for 20 samples ranging from beryllium to plutonium. Differential cross sections are given as a function of gamma-ray energy over the region from 0.2 to 9.0 MeV for angles between the incident neutrons and emitted photons of 90 to 130 deg. For some of the light elements, cross sections are also presented for individual gamma rays. Pulsed-beam neutron time-of-flight techniques were employed to reduce background effects in the large NaI(Tl) gamma-ray spectrometer.