Cross sections of ground and isomeric states for (n,p) reaction on Sm-154 between 13.57 and 14.83 MeV neutrons

• Measurements of neutron activation cross sections 154Sm(n,p)154g,mPm reactions.
• Cross sections are measured at energy range of 13-15 MeV.
• The cyclic activation technique was used as irradiation and counting method.
• Corrections for effects of gamma ray attenuation, dead-time and low energy neutrons.
• Comparison with measured cross sections, data reported and model calculation results

In this study, the activation cross sections were measured for the 154Sm(n,p)154gPm, and 154Sm(n,p)154mPm reactions at several neutron energies between 13.57 and 14.83 MeV, which were produced by the neutron generator (SAMES T-400) through the 3H(2H,n)4He reaction. The production of short-lived activity and the spectra accumulation were performed by the cyclic activation technique. Induced gamma-ray activities were measured using a high resolution gamma ray spectrometer equipped with a high-purity Germanium (HPGe) detector. In the cross section measurements, corrections were made regarding the effects of gamma-ray attenuation, dead-time, fluctuation of neutron flux, and low energy neutrons. The measured cross sections were compared with data reported in literature as well as model calculations using the code TALYS 1.6.