Optimised neutron yield calculations from (α,n) reactions with the modified SOURCES4 code.

Area of Science:

• Nuclear physics
• Particle physics
• Astrophysics

Background:

• Underground experiments for rare events (dark matter, neutrinos) are limited by neutron backgrounds.
• Neutrons originate from spontaneous fission and alpha-neutron (α,n) reactions.
• Accurate neutron yield and energy spectra calculations are crucial for sensitivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present new neutron production calculations using the modified SOURCES4 code.
• To incorporate updated cross-sections for (α,n) reactions.
• To compare calculation results with experimental data.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the modified SOURCES4 code for neutron production calculations.
• Integrated recently updated experimental cross-sections for (α,n) reactions.
• Supplemented with EMPIRE, TALYS, and JENDL-5 calculations where experimental data were limited.

Main Results:

• Presented new neutron production calculations based on refined (α,n) cross-sections.
• Demonstrated agreement between calculations and available experimental data from alpha beams and radioactive decays.
• Identified reliable cross-sections for accurate neutron background estimation.

Conclusions:

• The updated SOURCES4 code with new cross-sections provides more accurate neutron background predictions.
• These improved calculations are vital for enhancing the sensitivity of rare event search experiments.
• The study offers a validated approach for selecting reliable cross-sections in nuclear astrophysics and particle physics research.