Emission probabilities of some intense prompt γ rays of 24Na, 28Al, 52V, 56Mn, 60Co, 142Pr, 187W and 198Au with thermal neutron capture determined using γ rays following β decay

Some emission probabilities of relatively intense or less contaminant prompt γ rays of 24Na, 28Al, 52V, 56Mn, 60Co, 142Pr, 187W and 198Au with thermal-neutron capture reactions were determined by successive measurement of γ rays following the β decay of produced radioisotopes, namely β-delayed γ rays. Prompt and β-delayed γ rays were measured with the same HPGe detector the efficiency of which is well determined for a wide energy range, from 0.1 to 11 MeV. The previously proposed values for 24Na, 28Al, 60Co and 198Au except for low energy, were generally in agreement with the present results, while those for 52V, 56Mn, 142Pr and 187W were not. The reasons for the disagreement are discussed in terms of the detection efficiencies of the detectors, the used nuclear data and the normalization procedure for determining prompt γ-ray intensities. The effectiveness of this method at checking the intensities of prompt γ rays is demonstrated.

► Emission probabilities of prompt γ-rays for 8 (n,γ) reactions were determined.
► We measured prompt γ rays and β-delayed γ-rays at the same condition and a time.
► We use a well-calibrated HPGe detector for wide energy region.
► Using β-delayed γ-rays is effective to determine prompt γ-ray intensities reliably.