The Neutron-Proton and Neutron-Carbon Scattering Cross Sections for Fast Neutrons

Abstract

An experimental investigation of the total scattering cross section of hydrogen and carbon for neutrons of energies 0.35 to 6.0 Mev is reported. Neutrons of discrete energies were produced by particle bombardment of lithium, carbon, and heavy water targets. Transmissions of cyclohexane (${\mathrm{C}}_6$ ${\mathrm{H}}_{12}$) and graphite scatterers under conditions of good geometry were measured. Results for ${\sigma }_s\left(\mathrm{H}\right)$ are compared with the theoretical interpretations of Bohm and Richman in a later paper and to the experimental results of D. Frisch at lower energies in a companion paper. It is estimated that ${\sigma }_s\left(\mathrm{H}\right)$ and ${\sigma }_s\left(\mathrm{C}\right)$ are determined to approximately five percent.