Study of the 176Hf(n,2n)175Hf cross section at 18.9 MeV

Neutron nuclear reactions can provide significant information in the field of physics and applications. Hafnium (Hf) is one rare-earth isotopes with a relative large neutron total cross-section thermal energy region induced reactor materials could lead to production long-lived isomeric states Hf isotopes. Thus, knowledge cross-sections on great importance for basic research Nuclear Physics as well applications concerning interaction neutrons matter. In this study measurements experimental cross section 176Hf(n,2n)175Hf 180Hf(n,n΄γ)180mHf were carried out, using activation technique. The beam at 18.9 MeV was produced via 3H(d,n)4He reaction 5.5 Tandem Van de Graaf accelerator laboratory NCSR “Demokritos”. A thin metallic foil natural used, while determination flux target position reference Al placed back target. irradiation continuous 28 hours leading fluence 1010 n/cm2 BF3 detector used monitoring during irradiation. After end irradiation, activity measured off-line by two HPGe detectors. Both efficiencies obtained calibrated 152Eu source, same distance foil. has been corrected from contribution 177Hf(n,3n)175Hf 174Hf(n,γ)175Hf 179Hf(n,γ)180mHf. Theoretical calculations 174Hf(n,2n)175Hf, have also performed statistical code “EMPIRE 3.2.3” they compared data.