Total Neutron Cross Section of Deuterium below 1000 keV

Abstract

Total neutron cross sections of deuterium have been measured from less than 1 keV to 1000 keV. We also performed a three-body calculation of $n\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{D}$ total scattering cross sections, using separable potentials. The theoretical and experimental results show good agreement. A marked increase in cross section is observed for decreasing energy below 300 keV. We discuss the implications of the results with respect to discrepancies in previously measured $n\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{D}$ scattering lengths.