Calculation and Normalization of Selected 26Mg (alpha, n) Cross Sections
Abstract
An evaporated 26Mg target on tantalum backing was exposed to α-particle beam using the 2-MeV Van de Graaff accelerator at Goethe University Frankfurt, and the 26Mg (α, n) cross section calculated for five beam energies between 1830 and 2000 keV. The use of a 3He spectrometer at zero degrees relative to the target allowed separation of neutrons in the region of interest from thermal neutrons. Cross sections were normalized with respect to 11B(α, n) cross sections for the corresponding energies, which were also measured using the 2-MeV Van de Graaff. While both targets showed evidence of deterioration throughout the process, this was more obviously evident for the 26Mg target. As this measurement follows prior target development and characterization, investigating appropriate target backings and thicknesses for this measurement, the significant deterioration observed provides additional information about 26Mg target stability under beam. When considered in combination with complications when using thinner targets, these observations suggest a need for thick targets and further characterization of target deterioration in order to increase the accuracy of further cross section measurements.
- Publication:
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APS Division of Nuclear Physics Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- 2019
- Bibcode:
- 2019APS..DNP.HA008R