Measurements and model calculations of isomeric cross section for (n,α) reaction on 140Ce isotope around 14 MeV neutrons

In this work, cross sections were measured for the 140Ce(n,α)137mBa (T1/2 = 2.552 min) reaction at neutron energies from 13.57 to 14.83 MeV. The neutrons were produced via the 3H(2H,n)4He reaction on a neutron generator using a solid Ti–T target. The activation technique was used, and induced gamma activities were measured by a high resolution gamma-ray spectrometer. Corrections were made for the effects of gamma-ray attenuation, random coincidence (pulse pileup), coincidence summing, dead time, neutron flux fluctuations, and low-energy neutrons. The measured cross sections were compared with statistical model (TALYS code) calculation results and the experimental data in the available literature.

► Neutron activation cross sections were measured for 140Ce(n,α)137mBa reaction. ► Cross sections were measured at neutron energies from 13.57 and 14.83 MeV. ► Measured cross sections were compared with model calculations and previous data.