Measurement of theO16(n, p)N16Cross Section from 11 to 19 MeV

Abstract

The present experiment was undertaken to improve upon the accuracy and energy resolution of the ${\mathrm{O}}^{16}(n, p){\mathrm{N}}^{16}$ cross section and to extend the neutron energy range covered. The oxygen was contained in a dioxane liquid scintillator which was irradiated by accelerator-produced neutrons. Shaped holders were used at appropriate angles from the target to obtain good energy resolution for neutrons produced by both $\mathrm{T}(d, n){\mathrm{He}}^4$ and $\mathrm{D}(t, n){\mathrm{He}}^4$ reactions. After the irradiation the scintillator was automatically transferred to a $4\pi$ $\beta$-counting system. The resulting cross section data exhibit a previously undetermined resonance near 11.8 MeV. Integration of the experimental cross sections over ${\mathrm{U}}^{235}$ fission spectrum formulations yield values of 16 to 19 μb per neutron.