Thermal-Neutron Fission Cross Sections for Isotopes of Plutonium, Americium, and Curium

Abstract

The following thermal-neutron fission cross sections have been measured in the thermal column of the Materials Testing Reactor at Idaho Falls, Idaho: ${\mathrm{Pu}}^{238}$, 18.4\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.9 barns; ${\mathrm{Am}}^{241}$, 3.13\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.15 barns; ${\mathrm{Am}}^{242}$, 6390\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}500 barns; ${\mathrm{Am}}^{243}$, 0.072 barn; ${\mathrm{Cm}}^{243}$, 690\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}50 barns; ${\mathrm{Cm}}^{245}$, 1880\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}150 barns. In addition, a pile neutron capture cross section of 520\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}40 barns has been measured for ${\mathrm{Pu}}^{238}$.