Calculation of double differential neutron cross-sections for the ¹¹⁵In(α,xn) reaction

The angle-dependent double differential cross-sections of neutrons scattered from an Indium-115 target bombarded by alpha particles at energies of 26.8 and 45.2 MeV, is analyzed using the TALYS 1.95 and PHITS 3.22 computer codes. Theoretical calculations through the TALYS code incorporated assessments of direct, compound, and pre-equilibrium nuclear reaction mechanisms. The computed results were compared with the experimental data sourced from the literature, providing a robust validation of the findings. The Monte Carlo results showed favorable correspondence with the experimental findings for 45.2 MeV alpha energy at 120° and 150°. The compound reaction mechanism was found to be the dominant interaction at energies below the neutron separation energy. With the increase in neutron emission energy, notable contributions from the pre-equilibrium mechanism to the cross-section calculations were observed.