Inelastic Scattering of Neutrons near Threshold

Abstract

Using the compound nucleus model, and assuming a statistical distribution of levels of the compound state, the inelastic neutron scattering cross sections for excitation of metastable states of ${\mathrm{Cd}}^{111}$ and ${\mathrm{In}}^{115}$ are calculated. The energy range just above threshold is considered. The sensitivity of the cross sections to the spin and parity of the metastable state is demonstrated in the case of ${\mathrm{Cd}}^{111}$. Comparison is made with experiment, and the calculations are seen to be useful in learning about spins and parities of excited states of nuclei.