Investigation of (n, p) and (n, α) Reactions Induced by Thermal and Resonant Neutrons

摘要

The application of measurements of the (n, α) and (n, p) cross sections and asymmetries in several fields of fundamental and applied sciences is reviewed. In particular, some of these cross sections are crucial for a deeper insight into many scenarios of nucleosynthesis in the universe. They are also used to study the nuclear structure and fundamental symmetries such as isospin mixing and parity nonconservation. Finally, these cross sections are of applied interest, in particular, for reactor materials science. Sources and facilities employed for measuring (n, p) and (n, α) reactions from the thermal to resonance energy range are reviewed. Measurements with radioactive relatively short-lived samples and with very small stable samples receive special attention. Severall measurements are discussed to illustrate the facilities in use and scientific issues. Possible future measurements are discussed.