Fast Neutron Activation Cross Section ofAu197

Abstract

The neutron activation cross section of gold was measured in the neutron range from 30-1500 kev. The absolute value of the cross section was based on the ${\mathrm{U}}^{235}$ fast fission cross section which was used for absolute neutron flux measurements from 200-1500 kev. For measurements below 200 kev, the ${\mathrm{B}}^{10}(n, \alpha )$ cross section was used for monitoring the neutron flux. The relative cross section from 30-200 kev was then normalized at 200 kev to the absolute measurement. The results agree well with recent measurements, except for some pulsed beam—liquid scintillator measurements and spherical shell transmission measurements which yield much lower cross section values.