Light-ion production in the interaction of 96 MeV neutrons with oxygen

Abstract

Double-differential cross sections are reported for light-ion (p, d, t, $^{3}\mathrm{He}$, and \ensuremath{\alpha}) production in oxygen induced by 96 MeV neutrons. Energy spectra are measured at eight laboratory angles from 20\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} to 160\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} in steps of 20\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. Procedures for data taking and data reduction are presented. Deduced energy-differential and production cross sections are reported. Experimental cross sections are compared to theoretical reaction model calculations and experimental data at lower neutron energies in the literature. The measured proton data agree reasonably well with the results of the model calculations, whereas the agreement for the other particles is less convincing. The measured production cross sections for protons, deuterons, tritons, and \ensuremath{\alpha} particles support the trends suggested by data at lower energies.