Measurements of activation cross sections for 175Lu(n, α)172Tm, 176Lu(n, α)173Tm and 175Lu(n, p)175m+gYb reactions induced by neutrons around 14 MeV

The cross sections for the 175Lu(n, α)172Tm, 176Lu(n, α)173Tm and 175Lu(n, p)175m+gYb reactions have been measured in the neutron energy range of 13.5–14.8 MeV using the activation technique. The first data for 175Lu(n, α)172Tm reaction cross sections are presented. In our experiment, the fast neutrons were produced via the 3H(d, n)4He reaction on K-400 Neutron Generator at Chinese Academy of Engineering Physics (CAEP). Induced gamma activities were measured by a high-resolution (1.69 keV at 1332 keV for 60Co) gamma-ray spectrometer with high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector. Measurements were corrected for gamma-ray attenuations, random coincidence (pile-up), dead time and fluctuation of neutron flux. The neutron fluences were determined by the cross section of 93Nb(n, 2n)92mNb or 27Al(n, α)24Na reactions. The neutron energy in the measurement was by the cross section ratios of 90Zr(n, 2n)89m+gZr and 93Nb(n, 2n)92mNb reactions. The results were discussed and compared with experimental data found in the literature and with results of published empirical formulae.

► D-T neutron source was used to measure cross sections using activation method.
► 93Nb(n,2n)92mNb or 27Al(n,α)24Na was used as the monitor for the measurement.
► The (n,α) and (n,p) reactions on lutetium (Lu) isotopes were measured.
► The first data for 175Lu(n,α)172Tm reaction cross sections are presented.
► The obtained results are in a good agreement within the experimental uncertainty.