Neutron capture by 94,96Zr and the decays of 97Zr and 97Nb

Cross sections for radiative neutron capture have been determined for 94Zr and 96Zr using the activation technique with samples of naturally occurring Zr metal. The sensitivity to the correction for epithermal neutrons in the determination of small thermal cross sections is discussed, particularly in view of the variation in the resonance integral at different sites in the reactor. Gamma-ray spectroscopic studies of the decays of 97Zr and its daughter 97Nb have been performed, leading to improved values of the energies and intensities of the emitted γ rays, and correspondingly improved values for the energy levels and β feedings of excited states populated in 97Nb and 97Mo.