Inelastic scattering of fast neutrons from excited states in 56Fe

Inelastic scattering of fast neutrons from 56Fe was studied at the photoneutron source nELBE. The neutron energies were determined on the basis of a time-of-flight measurement. Gamma-ray spectra were measured with a high-purity germanium detector. The inelastic scattering cross sections deduced from the present experiment in an energy range from 0.8 to 9.6 MeV agree within 15% with earlier data and with predictions of the statistical-reaction code Talys. In addition to the γ-ray production cross sections, level cross sections for the 2+, 4+ and 6+ yrast states in 56Fe were deduced.