PHOTONEUTRON CROSS SECTIONS OF SOME ELEMENTS

Abstract

The neutron yield from photo-reactions in nine elements has been measured as a function of the maximum energy of the University of Saskatchewan Betatron. Cross sections are given for each of the reactions as calculated from these data. The integrated cross sections are compared with theoretical sum-rule predictions of Levinger and Bethe and good agreement is obtained with x = ½. The data support the conclusions reached in a preceding paper by Montalbetti, Katz, and Goldemberg. The competition between (γ, n) and (γ, p) reactions in chromium and in nickel is analyzed in the light of these experimental results. Good agreement with statistical theory is obtained in both cases.