Deuteron Capture inC14

Abstract

The cross section for the ${\mathrm{C}}^{14}(d, \gamma ){\mathrm{N}}^{16}$ reaction has been measured in the interval $1.2<\mathrm{}{E}_d<2.6\mathrm{}$ MeV by comparing the ${\mathrm{N}}^{16}$ activity with ${\mathrm{C}}^{15}$ activity produced in the ($d, p$) reaction in the same bombardment. The cross section varies about a value of approximately 5 μb and shows several maxima in the region of bombardment. The results are interpreted in terms of compound-nucleus formation; in particular, for the assumed resonance at $E_d=2.0\mathrm{}$ MeV, it is found that ${\Gamma }_{{\gamma }_T}\approx 20$ eV. There is no evidence for direct capture, but some contribution from this process cannot be excluded. The half-life of ${\mathrm{C}}^{15}$ was redetermined in the course of the work and found to be 2.49±0.07 sec, a value about 10% higher than that currently accepted.