Cross section for inelastic neutron scattering from ¹⁹³Ir at 6 MeV

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Physics
• Atomic and Molecular Physics

Background:

• Iridium-193 (¹⁹³Ir) is a key isotope for nuclear reaction studies.
• Accurate cross-section data is crucial for nuclear applications and theoretical models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To experimentally determine the cross section for inelastic neutron scattering on ¹⁹³Ir.
• To compare new experimental data with existing literature values.

Main Methods:

• Irradiation of natural and enriched ¹⁹³Ir samples with a 6.0 MeV monoenergetic neutron beam.
• Measurement of X-rays from electron conversion of the 80.2 keV isomeric state in ¹⁹³Ir to determine reaction products.

Main Results:

• The cross section for the ¹⁹³Ir (n,n')^193mIr reaction was determined.
• The measured cross section significantly disagrees with previously reported literature data.

Conclusions:

• The experimental results suggest potential inaccuracies in current nuclear data for ¹⁹³Ir.
• Further investigation is warranted to resolve discrepancies in inelastic neutron scattering cross-section values.