Determination of the ⁵⁴Fe(n, 2n)^53gFe and ⁵⁴Fe(n, 2n)^53mFe cross sections averaged over a ²³⁵U fission neutron spectrum

Abstract

The reaction cross sections averaged over a ²³⁵U fission neutron spectrum have been measured for the ⁵⁴Fe(n, 2n)^53gFe and ⁵⁴Fe(n, 2n)^53mFe threshold reactions. The values found are, respectively: (1.14±0.13) mb, and (0.52±0.16) mb. The measured cross sections are referred to the (111±3) mb standard cross section of the ⁵⁸Ni(n, p)^58m+gCo reaction. The (81.7±2.2) mb standard cross section value for the ⁵⁴Fe(n, p)⁵⁴Mn reaction, was also used as a monitor to check the results obtained with the Ni standard, leading to an excellent agreement.