Cross section measurement of neutron capture reaction based on back-streaming white neutron source at China spallation neutron source

Abstract

The data of neutron capture cross section are very important for the research of nuclear astrophysics, advanced nuclear energy development. Owing to the limitation of neutron source and detector, the experimental data of neutron capture cross section in an energy range of 1 eV–10 keV were almost blank in China. The first Chinese gamma-ray total absorption facility has been constructed in the key laboratory of nuclear data at China institute of atomic energy, which consists of 40 BaF₂ detector units. The BaF₂ crystal shell with a thickness of 15 cm and an inner radius of 10 cm covers 95.2% of the solid angle. On-line measurement method of neutron capture reaction cross section is established on the back-streaming white neutron source of China spallation neutron source by using the upgraded facility. The cross section of ¹⁹⁷Au neutron capture reaction is measured for the first time under the experimental condition of irregular 30 mm neutron beam spot. The measured position of resonance peak is well consistent with the relevant data of ENDF evaluation database, which verifies the reliability of the measurement device and measurement technology, and thus laying the foundation for the acquisition of high precision cross section in future.