The scattering of long wavelength neutrons by irradiated and unirradiated quartz

Abstract

Measurements have been made of the transmission of neutrons of wave-lengths between 5 and 10 Å through 10 cm of unirradiated and pile irradiated Brazilian quartz crystals. The total transmission cross section of the unirradiated crystal varied as [sgrave]_A=0.55+1.63λ in the measured wavelength range. After irradiation with 6.4 × 10¹⁸ fast n° cm⁻², as indicated by the [S(n°p)P] reaction, additional scattering waa found. This amounted to 0.18 barns per molecule between 12 and about 9 Å rising continuously below 9 Å. The measurements are discussed in relation to optical absorption measurements and radiation damage theory.