(n,He3) Reactions of Medium Weight Nuclei Induced by 14.8-Mev Neutrons

Abstract

Activation of the following pure monoisotopic elements with 14.8-Mev neutrons gives rise to $n$, ${\mathrm{He}}^3$) reactions as observed by measuring the radioactive products having the following measured half-lives and formation cross sections: ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{55}(n, {\mathrm{He}}^3){\mathrm{V}}^{53}$, 2±0.3 min, 2-6 mb; ${\mathrm{Co}}^{59}(n, {\mathrm{He}}^3){\mathrm{Mn}}^{57}$, 1.75±0.2 min, 1-3 mb; ${\mathrm{As}}^{75}(n, {\mathrm{He}}^3){\mathrm{Ga}}^{73}$, 5.1±0.3 hours, 3-7 mb; and ${\mathrm{Rh}}^{103}(n, {\mathrm{He}}^3){\mathrm{Tc}}^{101}$, 15±3 min, 1.5-3.5 mb. A qualitative discussion is presented concerning the possible mechanisms for these reactions. Work is being continued to observe other ($n$, ${\mathrm{He}}^3$) reactions.