Cross-sections for (n,2n) and (n,p) reactions on neodymium isotopes and 160Gd(n,a)157Sm at neutron energy between 13.5 and 14.7 MeV

Cross sections for (n,2n) and (n,p) reactions on neodymium isotopes and 160Gd(n,a)157Sm were measured at different neutron energies from 13.5 and 14.7 MeV by activation method. Neutron flux was determined by monitoring the reaction 27Al(n,α)24Na. Gamma activity was measured using a coaxial HPGe detector. Spectroscopically pure neodymium oxide and gadolinium oxide were used to produce samples. Fast neutrons were produced by the T(d,n)4He reaction. The results obtained are compared with previous data and model calculations using TALYS code. A method was introduced to correct the interference effect from excited state and calculate the ground state formation cross section.

► We obtained good accuracy for cross sections of Nd and Gd.
► We performed some isomeric state and ground state cross section nuclide calculation.
► A method to correct the interference effect form excited state was developed.
► A high coaxial HPGe detector was used.
► The latest decay data from ENSDF was used.