Total neutron cross-sections for rare isotopes using a digital-signal-processing technique: Case study 48Ca

A digital-signal-processing method was developed and used to measure the total neutron cross-sections of 48Ca from 15 to 300 MeV. This technique allows for cross-sections to be obtained with high statistical accuracy even for samples that are an order of magnitude smaller than those used with conventional (non-digital) techniques. The isotopic and energy dependence of rare-isotope total neutron cross-sections are of considerable value for extracting the n/p asymmetry dependence of optical-model potentials.